Better models – better assessments: the use of models in plant health and biotechnology risk assessment

Paul De Barro was invited to attend the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) organised workshop by Philip Macdonald of the Plant and Biotechnology Risk Assessment Unit, CFIA.

Paul was asked to deliver a presentation that he had presented at the CRCNPB sponsored Pest Risk Mapping workshop that was held at Port Douglas in 2010. This presentation considered the problems surrounding communication between modellers and end-users and was jointly prepared with Sharon Taylor, from Plant Health Australia and Mike Cole from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Paul's presentation explored the reasons behind apparent miscommunication between end-users and model makers which lead to mission creep and failure to meet end-user expectations. The presentation suggested ways both end-users and modellers can better work together to ensure that the end product meets expectations.

It was apparent at the workshop that the issues which have been experienced in the CRC are alive and well in CFIA and that the same solutions to address the problem were applicable.

Paul had the opportunity to meet up with Dick Mack from Washington State University and Mike Wilkinson, University of Aberystwyth, Wales. Mike is about to take up a position at the University of Adelaide and may be a very useful link in the area of biosecurity preparedness.