PORTFOLIO NEWS
 
Supporting agricultural trade with China and Hong Kong

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke has been in China and Hong Kong this week to support Australia’s agricultural trade in the region. Mr Burke met with Chinese counterparts including the ministers responsible for agriculture and quarantine and the head of China’s State Forestry Administration. Following the visit, Mr Burke will attend the G8+ Agricultural Ministers’ Meeting and Environment Ministers’ Meeting to discuss global food security and climate change. Read the media release online.

Boost for Australia's growing wine exports to Asia

Australia’s growing wine exports to China and Hong Kong will be strengthened with two new agreements to increase cooperation and promote the trade. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke has this week signed two memoranda of understanding on wine exports, in Hong Kong and Beijing. Read the media release online.

Promoting careers in agriculture

The Australian Government is encouraging young people to consider a career in our primary industries through its support for the new Primary Industries Education Foundation and the Careers in Agriculture Expo at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the Foundation and the Expo will provide great opportunities for young people to learn about the importance of our agricultural industries and the enormous range of careers in agriculture. Read the media release online.

PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS

Australian wheat supply and exports

ABARE’s April issue of Australian Wheat Supply and Exports was released this week. This report incorporates new survey data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics on wheat usage, export sales and grain handlers' stocks. ABARE has also included monthly data on wheat exports by shipping method and by destination. Follow the 'Latest releases' menu at www.abare.gov.au to read more.  

EVENTS

Beef Australia 2009, Rockhampton, Qld—4-9 May 2009

Download the program flyer which lists all major activities at www.beefaustralia.com.au.

Coming to Kingaroy, Qld—ABARE’s Regional Outlook conference 

With the conference program tailored to your region, don’t miss this chance to hear from a diverse range of local speakers, complemented by ABARE economists and analysts at the Kingaroy Regional Outlook conference on Wednesday 29 April.

You can access the latest commodity data, economic forecasts and research results plus hear innovative business stories and updates on regional industries.

Hear from speakers including:

ABARE’s Dr Terry Sheales on national and international issues affecting your region
Jeff Sabburg, Bureau of Meteorology, on the regional climate outlook
John Sims from the Bureau of Rural Sciences discussing soil carbon for productivity or trading?
Peter Deuter, Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries on how horticulture is responding to the climate change challenge
Graeme Wright, Peanut Company of Australia, on building a sustainable farming system
Barb Madden from Smithfield Feedlot on investing in the future
Ian Rankine, Sky Shades Queensland, on the challenge of building a business in regional Australia

The conference is open to anyone with an interest in their community. This is your opportunity to make new contacts, discuss industry trends and gain an understanding of global issues affecting your region.

Download the conference program and registration form at www.abare.gov.au/regional. Contact Angela Ellerman on 02 6272 2303 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .