A parcel of Australian Golden wattle seeds has been into space and returned safely to earth where it is undergoing biosecurity screening ahead of later distribution to schools.
Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud said the seedy mission was “one small step for Golden wattle but one giant leap for biosecurity science and innovation”.
“The mission, which was facilitated by Japan’s Space Agency, symbolises the flourishing Australia-Japan bilateral ties and agricultural trade relationship, with the value of our farming exports to Japan now in excess of $5.4 billion,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Many different areas of my Department worked with external partners to help the seeds make this extra-terrestrial journey,” he said.
“Biosecurity science and innovation are critical to ensuring that the Department’s biosecurity controls continue to stand up to evolving trade and emerging risks.”
He said biosecurity officers were inspecting the seeds to ensure that they met biosecurity requirements and had not picked up any exotic pests and diseases on their journey.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Christian Porter said that once the seeds had received biosecurity clearance, they would be released to the One Giant Leap Australia Foundation to distribute to schools across Australia for the inaugural Australian Seeds in Space educational program.
“Now that these seeds have been to space, the next step is for our science superstars of tomorrow to see what effects the space journey has had on their germination,” Mr Porter said.
“It’s a fun and exciting project to engage the next generation as we approach National Science Week 2021 (14-22 August),” he said.
Further information on the One Giant Leap Australia Foundation can be accessed at this PS News link and National Science Week 2021 at this link.
