The Finocchiaro CLP Government has welcomed a delegation of Malaysian agriculture officials to the Territory this week to share expertise in mango production, biosecurity and pest management.
The five-day program includes tours and demonstrations at both research and commercial packing facilities, allowing participants to learn from the Territory’s world-class mango industry.
By sharing knowledge and building partnerships, the Territory is strengthening regional biosecurity while building stronger relationships with key Asian partners.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is continuing to strengthen ties with regional partners, welcoming a delegation of Malaysian agriculture and industry representatives this week to study the Territory’s world-class mango industry, biosecurity and pest management.
The Northern Territory’s mango industry contributes an estimated $128 million per annum to the Territory economy and produces over 51% of Australia’s crop.
The delegation includes Malaysian biosecurity officers, agricultural officials, mango industry representatives and growers.
During their visit, delegates will take part in training activities at the Berrimah Farm Science Precinct and undertake field visits to commercial mango orchards, packing sheds and research facilities to learn more about the Territory’s production systems, integrated pest management approaches and biosecurity safeguards.
Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Gerard Maley said the partnership was another example of the Finocchiaro CLP Government strengthening engagement with Asia through practical collaboration that delivers mutual benefit and demonstrates the depth of expertise within the Territory agriculture sector.
“The Northern Territory is recognised internationally for its expertise in tropical agriculture, biosecurity and our world-class mango industry.”
“This visit demonstrates the value of partnerships between the Northern Territory Government, the Australian Government and our international counterparts in supporting sustainable agriculture and protecting plant industries.
“Our mango industry is a significant contributor to the Territory economy, and opportunities such as this allow us to showcase our expertise while strengthening regional biosecurity cooperation.”
The visit follows a successful knowledge-sharing workshop on Mango Pest Biosecurity & Integrated Management Systems in Malaysia in May 2026, where Dr Brian Thistleton, Principal Plant Biosecurity Officer with NT Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), was invited by the Australian Government to lead integrated pest management training.
The workshop, held in Kedah, Malaysia, attracted more than 70 in-person participants and up to 200 online attendees. It focused on mango biosecurity, integrated pest management systems and preparedness for significant pest threats.
Dr Brian Thistleton has extensive experience supporting plant health and mango production initiatives throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
His work has included training programs in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and the South Pacific as well as contributing 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 is a collaboration between the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Northern Territory Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and Malaysia’s Department of Agriculture.
It is also supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Southeast Asia and Australia Government Partnerships (SEAG2G) program.
