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Loxton company awarded Sustainable Futures Grant

9 September 2011

A Loxton company specialising in the development of bio products to reduce pest interference with food crops has been awarded a State Government grant to help it secure a competitive advantage for the future.

Announcing the funding today, Regional Development Minister Gail Gago says the $245,000 Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund grant was awarded to Biological Services.

“Biological Services specialises in the development of biocontrol agents - products that make use of naturally occurring enemies of pests to reduce their impact on plant crops,” the Minister said.
“These agents combat significant pests such as western flower thrips, whiteflies, two spotted mites and aphids.

“Controlling these pests will be of major importance to horticultural crops such as strawberries, capsicum, eggplant, tomato, onions and stone fruit as well as the nursery industry.”

Ms Gago said Biological Services will use its grant to develop technologically advanced systems for mass production, packaging, freighting and distribution of their selected biocontrol agents.

Biological Services Director James Altmann said the project will involve upgrading existing infrastructure at the Loxton Research Centre, a new laboratory, installation of new packaging equipment and the development of a cool chain for packaging and distribution.

“This will allow us to professionally pack and deliver our biocontrol agents to growers anywhere in Australia, ensuring they arrive in peak condition,” he said.

As the first commercial insectory to operate in Australia, Biological Services has been producing biocontrol agents for the citrus industry since 1976 and in recent years, the company’s focus has been on the broader horticulture and greenhouse industries.

The $490,000 project is due for completion in December 2012.

Ms Gago said the $20 million Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund was established to fund projects that improve infrastructure, support industry attraction and promote sustainable economic and social development in the Riverland.

For more information on the Fund visit: www.southaustralia.biz/RSFF.