PORTFOLIO NEWS
Investing in rural and regional Australian communities

Budget measures that will help support rural and regional Australian communities include $866 million to support primary producers; $21.2 billion to upgrade regional infrastructure; $1.7 billion to support local communities; and more than $450 million to drive rural research and development. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/may/rudd_government_investing_in_rural_and_regional_australia support continues for farming families

Drought

The Australian Government has allocated $715.3 million in the Budget to continue support for drought-affected farmers, farm families, small businesses and rural communities. Exceptional Circumstances (EC) assistance and other payments for farmers and farm families including EC Relief Payments, the EC Interest Rate Subsidy and Interim Income Support will continue unchanged. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/may/drought_support_continues_for_farming_families measures maintained while the government responds to recommendations

Biosecurity

Australian biosecurity at the border will receive $156 million in the Budget, including $92.2 million through DAFF. The funding will maintain biosecurity while the government continues to respond to recommendations stemming from the Beale Report—the biggest proposed reforms to our biosecurity system in more than a century. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/may/rudd_government_investing_in_australias_biosecurity_system to help wheat exporters get fair access to ports

Support

Wheat exporters will benefit from measures designed to help ensure fair access to port terminals, via assistance of up to $1.5 million over two years announced in the Budget. The measures will be administered through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/may/supporting_australias_wheat_growers_after_major_economic_reforms partnership for animal welfare

Industry-government

An expanded animal welfare partnership between the Australian Government and the livestock export industry will be funded as part of the 2009–10 Budget. The Live Trade Animal Welfare Partnership will invest $3.2 million over three years, comprising $1.6 million from the government and matching support from industry. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/may/investing_in_better_animal_welfare_for_live_exports 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

Australia’s forest sector resilient in 2008, tougher times to come

Throughout 2008 Australia’s forest sector continued to perform strongly according to a new ABARE report. However, current economic conditions suggest difficult times ahead for Australia’s forest sector, with uncertainty regarding investment and employment in many regions. The bi-annual report, Australian Forest and Wood Products Statistics, describes an industry exhibiting strong investment in new timber plantations and benefiting from continued housing sector and international demand. For a free download visit the ABARE website or phone 02 6272 2010.

EVENTS

ABARE's Kununurra Regional Outlook conference, 20 May
Access the latest commodity data, economic forecasts and research results plus hear innovative business stories and updates on regional industries at the Kununurra Regional Outlook conference on Wednesday 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
Max Foster, ABARE, on the outlook for current and prospective commodities
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
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.