Our labs

Across NSW, DPI operates a network of laboratories to provide world-leading, independent analytical chemistry, veterinary pathology and plant health testing services, assisting landholders to improve the environmental value and productive performance of resources and landscapes, for present and future generations.

NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories (APHL)

Located at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI), NSW APHL is the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) Centre of Excellence for Plant and Animal Health. As NSW’s premier quarantine and biosecurity facility, EMAI is equipped with critical infrastructure and world recognised research scientists to deliver accurate, rapid diagnosis of diseases and pests in animals and plants.

Accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA)/ISO 17025, EMAI supports NSW agricultural industries to be productive and protect the environment through the provision of plant pathology, entomology and veterinary pathology (including the disciplines of serology, histology, parasitology, genetics, bacteriology and anatomical pathology) testing services.

Located at Menangle and Orange, EMAI Laboratories underpin the NSW biosecurity emergency response strategy with an enabling capability, making available the best possible disease information as near to ‘real time’ as possible. It maintains capacity to provide rapid diagnosis, and emergency response and carry out specific tests in support of State and National disease surveillance.

DPI AgEnviro Labs

With more than 50 years’ collective experience, DPI’s AgEnviro Labs have delivered world leading, comprehensive analytical chemistry testing services of soil, water, plant nutrition, livestock feed, food, edible oils and oilseed.

Through the provision of independent, quality assured data, the laboratories assist primary producers to improve the sustainability of their natural resources and adapt to help the people of NSW in times of emergency response.

The modern laboratories are accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), the International Olive Council (IOC), American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS) and certified by the Australasian Soil & Plant Analysis Council (ASPAC), WaterChek, Australian Oilseeds Federation (AOF) and the United Nations Food & Agriculture Organisation.

An industry leader, DPI AgEnviro Labs is established as a reference lab for the plant and livestock industries, providing accredited testing techniques, systems and technologies. From its Wagga Wagga laboratory, the Feed Quality Service is the only facility in Australia that operates a laboratory which integrates research and commercial feed testing, whilst the Oil Testing Service is one of two laboratories in Australia qualified to provide olive oil certification.

The Wollongbar laboratory is pivotal in the delivery of testing services to support the stewardship of NSW's natural environment.