NT shares mango biosecurity expertise with Malaysian delegation
The Northern Territory is strengthening agricultural and biosecurity collaboration with Malaysia, with a delegation of Malaysian agriculture officials, biosecurity officers, mango industry representatives and growers spending the week visiting key Territory production, research and biosecurity facilities.
The 5 day visit running from 26 – 30 October 2026, brings together the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), the Northern Territory Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) and Malaysia’s Department of Agriculture (DOA).
The activity is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Southeast Asia and Australia Government Partnerships (SEAG2G) program.
During the visit, delegates have participated in training at the Berrimah Farm Science Precinct and visited commercial mango orchards, packing sheds and research facilities to learn about the Territory’s mango production systems, pest management practices and biosecurity safeguards.
The visit builds on a knowledge-sharing workshop on mango pest biosecurity and integrated management systems delivered by DAFF in Kedah, Malaysia, in May 2026. Dr Brian Thistleton, Principal Plant Biosecurity Officer with DAF, was invited by the Australian Government to lead integrated pest management training for Malaysian agriculture officers and industry representatives.
The workshop attracted more than 70 participants in person and up to 200 online attendees, focusing on mango biosecurity, integrated pest management and preparedness for significant pest threats.
Dr Thistleton has extensive experience supporting plant health and mango production initiatives across the Indo-Pacific, including training programs in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and the South Pacific. He has also contributed to fruit fly preparedness activities in Australia.
'The challenges faced by mango growers are increasingly international, which means collaboration between countries is more important than ever,' Dr Thistleton said.
'The Territory has developed practical and effective approaches to mango pest management and biosecurity, and we are pleased to share that knowledge with our Malaysian colleagues.
'At the same time, these exchanges provide valuable opportunities to learn about emerging pests and production systems elsewhere in the region, helping strengthen Australia’s biosecurity preparedness.'
The visit highlights the value of ongoing collaboration between Australia and Malaysia to support resilient agricultural industries, share practical expertise and strengthen regional biosecurity cooperation.
