PORTFOLIO NEWS

Boost to Australia's citrus exports with fruit fly free recognition

Australian citrus exports have received a boost following Japan's recognition of the Greater Sunraysia district as a fruit fly free area. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said growers from Mildura to Swan Hill would welcome the news that fruit no longer has to undergo costly treatment before it is exported to Japan. Read more online at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/may/boost_to_australias_citrus_exports_with_fruit_fly_free_recognition million for Yeppoon Town Hall redevelopment

$3.2

Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government Anthony Albanese and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke have announced that the Australian Government would offer $3.2 million for the Yeppoon Town Hall redevelopment. Read more online at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/may/$3.2_million_for_yeppoon_town_hall_redevelopment Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

2009

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  Friday 3 July 2009 at 5 pm. For more information and to download an application form, visit http://www.daff.gov.au/scienceawards or call the Science Awards Manager on 02 6272 5039.

PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS

Get connected with contours

Farmers and foodies get passionate in the paddocks, consumers fuel an organics boom and Aussie fishermen become Catch of the Day. A seven-year-old boy leads the way in biosecurity, and young scientists figure out how to breed global-warming-proof salmon and cows that eat less. Get connected with contours—online.

EVENTS

ABARE's Kununurra Regional Outlook conference, 20 May

Hear from speakers including:

Opening address by the Hon Gary Gray AO MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development and Northern Australia
ABARE’s Terry Sheales on national and international market developments and issues affecting your region
Glenn Cook, Bureau of Meteorology, on the regional climate outlook
David Menzel, Barradale Farm, discussing farming profitably in the Ord
Geoff Strickland, Ord Irrigation Cooperative on water use and sustainable agriculture
Vaughan Davies, Tourism WA, discussing positioning the region for future growth
Ian Trust, Wunan Foundation, on building Aboriginal capacity in the region
Kevin McLeish, Argyle Diamonds, discussing global markets: supporting regional Australia
David Munday, Department of Water WA, on water resource planning and the national water initiative
and Fritz Bolton, Oasis Farms, discussing making the most of opportunities.
The conference is open to everyone with an interest in their community. Make new contacts, discuss industry trends and gain an understanding of global issues affecting your region.

The conference program was developed in conjunction with the Office of Northern Australia, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government and reflects key regional issues. Join representatives at a pre-conference dinner on Tuesday 19 May. Bookings can be made at the time of registration.

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

National

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 program explores:

global population, changing consumption patterns and new and future demand trends
climate change
the international food shortage
Asian expansion and what it 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.