National cross-industry fall armyworm RD&E facilitation (VG25006)

This project is improving how fall armyworm (FAW) research, development and extension is shared and applied across Australian agriculture through the appointment of a dedicated FAW facilitator. Their role will be focused on connecting growers, agronomists, researchers and industry bodies so that the sector is working together on FAW management options and growers have better access to practical, evidence-based information.

The facilitator will organise national and regional workshops, support existing extension networks, and set up communication platforms to share tools, strategies and lessons learned. Regular updates and independent reports will identify emerging issues, research gaps and opportunities, and feed this information back to research and development corporations to guide future investment.

FAW affects many crops and regions and is difficult to manage due to its wide host range, ability to spread quickly and growing resistance to some chemicals. Information and effort are often fragmented across industries. This project addresses that gap by improving coordination and knowledge flow.

The expected outcome is better informed decision-making, more consistent FAW management approaches across industries, and stronger grower access to practical tools and advice. Over time, this will support more effective, sustainable control of FAW and improved resilience for affected horticulture and broadacre growers.