With over 40 years working in horticulture, Steve Burdette has done it all, from growing export markets to leading fruit fly programs. Now as a Council and Executive Committee Member of the National Fruit Fly Council, he shares insights on his career, his role and why strong biosecurity remains his top priority.

Please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your education and career.
I have over 40 years of experience in the horticultural industry in roles ranging from field packing, logistics and marketing to commercialising intellectual property, managing restructures and mergers, and developing strong national and international networks. I have a solid background in R&D tax and have chaired various national and regional committees focused on fruit fly management, leadership in variety and rootstock management, and more recently, seasonal worker programs.

Where do you currently work and what is your role?
I am the Executive Officer at Approved Employers of Australia, an association that represents employers involved in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. I support members by providing information, education and advocacy.

What does a typical day at the office look like for you?
No two days are the same. I deal with a wide range of challenges, all aimed at keeping labour mobility secure in Australia. I travel a lot, especially throughout the Pacific, and consult with many stakeholders to help make this happen.

How does your role relate to biosecurity and, more specifically, fruit fly?
I strongly support protecting our borders from major biosecurity threats like Oriental fruit fly, Huanglongbing (HLB) and spotted wing drosophila. Keeping these threats out is vital for our industry.

What motivates you to continue doing the work you do?
I want to see a sustainable horticulture industry that grows stronger and becomes a leader on the world stage.

What are you most proud of in the work you do?
I’m proud of taking on ambitious and sometimes uncertain projects and seeing them succeed. For example, I helped develop the Star Ruby grapefruit industry in South Africa, which became a major export crop to markets like Japan. I was part of the initial climatic analysis work which looked at potential impacts to production areas in Zimbabwe and co-founded the Citrus and Deciduous Variety Program in South Africa, which was later bought by Sunworld. I’ve also worked on growing avocados in substrate.

What is your vision for the future of the fruit fly system in Australia?
I want to see strong control system in place so we can keep fruit fly numbers down and stop more aggressive species from getting in. Strengthening our efforts in the Torres Strait is a key part of this.

What are your hobbies or what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy travelling, spending time with my family and being outdoors. I’m not really a city person.

Tell us something we don’t know about you.
My mother was born in Budapest, Hungary, and my father was from England.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
I’ve been part of the National Fruit Fly Council for quite a few years because it really makes a difference. There is a huge range of experience on the Council, which helps the wider sector tackle important issues for the good of the whole country.