PORTFOLIO NEWS

Australia at the table for G8+ Agriculture Ministers' Meeting

Food security and the role of agriculture in the recovery from the global recession were high on Australia’s agenda for the G8+ Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting recently  held in Treviso, Italy. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke attended this meeting and then later attended the G8+ Environment Ministers’ Meeting which focused on climate change and biodiversity issues. Read more online.

Overwhelming demand for Caring for our Country funding

The Australian Government has received an overwhelming response from environmental, farming, Landcare, Indigenous and community groups under the latest Caring for our Country funding round. More than 1300 applications have been received for 2009-10 under the inaugural Business Plan. Around $450 million is available to be committed in 2009-10 to support projects which help to ensure the environment is better protected and more resilient in a changing climate. For more information visit www.nrm.gov.au.

2009 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Calling all young innovators, this one is for you…

• Do you have an innovative idea that will boost Australia's rural industries?
• Do you need up to $50 000 to make your idea reality?
• Do you want to kick start your career and build professional networks?
• Do you want media training to help promote your ideas?

If so, then apply for the 2009 Science and Innovation Awards now! The awards are open to young people aged 18 to 35 who want to make a real difference to Australia's rural industries. Applications close 5 pm Friday 3 July 2009. For more information and to download an application form, visit http://daff.gov.au/scienceawards or call the Science Awards Manager on 02 6272 5039. 

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PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS

Australia’s plantation estate on the rise

 The area of Australia’s plantation estate increased to 1.97 million hectares in 2008 from 1.90 million hectares in 2007, according to new figures from the Bureau of Rural Sciences. The annual Australia’s Plantations Inventory Update shows that in the past ten years, Australia’s total plantation area has increased by 55%. Copies of the update and associated reports and data can be found at www.brs.gov.au/plantations.
 

ABARE releases first reliable survey of sawmill industry and sawnwood production  The Australian sawmill industry has undergone significant rationalisation over the past decade with a reduced number of mills but with remaining mills being larger in size, according to the new ABARE 2007 sawmill survey report. Download the report from www.abare.gov.au or phone publications on 02 6272 2010.
 
Updated field guide for aquatic animal health

The Aquatic Animal Diseases Significant to Australia: Identification Field Guide is an integral part of the awareness resources within Australia’s Aquatic Veterinary Emergency Plan, AQUAVETPLAN. The field guide provides fisheries and aquaculture managers, recreational fishers, border protection staff, environmentalists and students of aquatic animal health with a reference to develop knowledge and support decisions on diseases which may impact on aquatic animal health. The field guide is produced in an interactive CD-ROM format and includes print friendly fact sheets. For copies of the CD please email your details to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or access a copy online.
 

EVENTS

National Farmers’ Federation’s inaugural National Congress, Brisbane Qld, 22-23 June 2009

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has released the full program for its National Congress at the Brisbane Convention Centre, Queensland, over 22-23 June 2009. The NFF 2009 National Congress program explores:

• global population, changing consumption patterns and new and future demand trends
• climate change
• the international food shortage
• Asian expansion and what is means for Australia
• food production and environmental flows in a water-scarce world
• supply chain developments—from farmers, to consumers and everything in between
• new technology and farm business tools in the face of drought and the global financial crisis
• genetically modified crops—the science, farm practicality and consumer issues

The registration and information brochure is available at www.congress.nff.org.au. The National Congress Gala Dinner includes the announcement and presentation of the NFF/DAFF 2009 Innovation in Agriculture Awards in a ceremony showcasing modern farm practices.

Australian Farm Institute’s second Agriculture, Greenhouse and Emissions Trading Conference, Maroochydore QLD, 6-7 May 2009

The Agriculture, Greenhouse and Emissions Trading Conference 2009 will address key issues associated with the implementation of an Australian emissions trading scheme (ETS), and identify the opportunities and challenges that face the sector arising from an ETS. View the preliminary program online. The conference is sponsored by The National Climate Change Research Strategy for Primary Industries (CCRSPI). CCRSPI is a joint initiative of all the rural research and development corporations, state and territory governments; the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; and the CSIRO. CCRSPI is managed by Land & Water Australia. For more information email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.farminstitute.org.au.

Kingaroy Regional Outlook conference, Qld, 29 April 2009 

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 .