PORTFOLIO NEWS
Government accepts advice on Exceptional Circumstances

The Government has accepted independent advice on whether to continue Exceptional Circumstances assistance in 19 areas in NSW, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia which were due to expire on 15 June 2009. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/may/government_accepts_advice_on_exceptional_circumstances_in_nsw,_northern_territory,_queensland,_south_australia_and_western_australia

Working with boat owners to help manage marine pests

The Australian Government has released updated information to help fishers, vessel operators and marine aquarium suppliers prevent the spread of marine pests. This includes a new website (www.marinepests.gov.au), national guidelines, a marine pest identification guide and national control plans for established pests. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/may/working_with_boat_owners_to_help_manage_marine_pests

$1million to foster leadership in rural women

The Australian Government has allocated more than $1 million to help more women take on leadership roles in rural and regional Australia. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke has announced the funding under the Recognising Women Farmers initiative. The first 29 projects to be funded through this initiative will assist women in a wide range of industries, including seafood, cherries, horticulture, grains, sugar, agritourism, dairy and cattle. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/may/$1_million_to_help_rural_women_take_on_more_leadership_roles

More wine, pork and kangaroo meat on the menu

More consumers could be eating Australian pork, kangaroo meat and mushrooms and drinking our fortified wines, as a result of funding announced by the Australian Government. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke announced that nearly $2 million would fund 15 projects to help Australia’s food and seafood industries promote themselves to domestic and export markets. It is the first round of funding under the three-year Promoting Australian Produce initiative. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/may/more_wine,_pork_and_kangaroo_meat_on_the_menu_for_consumers

US subsidies a backward step

The US Government’s plans to reintroduce dairy export subsidies are protectionist and could lead to other countries blocking free trade, the Australian Government has said. Minister for Trade Simon Crean and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke made the comments after an announcement by US Secretary for Agriculture Tom Vilsack. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/may/us_subsidies_a_backward_step_towards_protectionism

Have your say: 'contours' reader survey

Do you read the department's contours magazine? Or do you have other information needs the department is not meeting, or could meet better? The department is seeking feedback about the way it communicates. Download the contours reader survey online now 9http://www.daff.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/1129331/contours-reader-survey.pdf), and give your feedback about contours and about your information needs more broadly. Note the closing date for responses has been extended to Monday, 15 June 2009.

Rural awards celebrate biosecurity

Animal Health Australia is seeking producers in rural and outback Australia to enter The Farm Biosecurity Award as part of the inaugural Australian Rural and Outback Awards. The award recognises and celebrates sound biosecurity practices that contribute to reducing the impact of diseases, pests and weeds to farms and to Australia’s agricultural industry. If you have implemented biosecurity practices on your property, or have helped someone else to do so, you are eligible to enter. Nomination forms are available at www.awardsaustralia.com or by calling 1300 735 445. Nominations close on 10 July 2009. Further information about farm biosecurity is available at www.farmbiosecurity.com.au. The Farm Biosecurity program is a joint initiative of Animal Health Australia and Plant Health Australia.

Australian Working Dog Survey

A new project funded by DAFF through the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy is investigating how Australia’s working dogs are cared for, trained, handled and housed. The aim is to generate baseline information on the management of dogs used by humans in work and sport, and to support collaboration between the different working dog industries nationally and internationally. The study is being conducted by independent veterinary researcher Dr Nick Branson and Ms Mia Cobb of Guide Dogs Victoria in collaboration with the University of Sydney’s Associate Professor Paul McGreevy. A survey is now underway and will run until 1 September 2009. Copies of the survey and a participant information sheets are available online at http://www.vetsci.usyd.edu.au/teaching_learning/surveys/dog_survey.shtml

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

PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS

Clean and safe image supports sales of Australian beef in the Korean beef market

Demands by Korean consumers for clean and safe beef have driven demand for Australian beef, which currently accounts for 60 to 70 per cent of total sales of imported beef in major retail stores, according to a new ABARE report. For a free download of the report, Korean Beef Market: Developments and Prospects, visit the ABARE website (http://www.abare.gov.au) or phone publications on 02 6272 2010.

EVENTS

National Farmers’ Federation 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 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.