Portfolio news

Further assistance for Queensland flood victims

Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke, have announced further assistance for small businesses and primary producers affected by Queensland's February floods. Recovery grants of up to $15 000 will be provided to assist in clean-up and restoration activities. Inquiries regarding the recovery grants should be made through the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority on 1800 623 946 or at http://www.qraa.qld.gov.au. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/june/further_assistance_for_queensland_flood_victims.

$40 million for critical agricultural export reforms

After discussions with Australia’s agricultural export industries this week, the government has agreed to provide $40 million to fund vital reforms. The red meat, grain, horticulture, live exports, fish and dairy sectors have been pushing for major improvements to make the export process more efficient. Combined, these export industries are worth $30 billion to the Australian economy. Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/june/$40_million_to_fund_critical_reforms_for_lucrative_agricultural_exports.

Update on Canadian H1N1 case

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said this week that he has been advised the H1N1 influenza virus was transferred from a human to pigs in Alberta, Canada. Based on the Canadian case and scientific research in the European Union, the disease appears to be quite mild in the pigs in Canada and there is a low rate of infection. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/june/update_on_canadian_h1n1_case.

Golden opportunity for mangoes in Chinese market

The Chinese love fresh mangoes and Australian growers are set to reap the benefits following a revision of quarantine protocols this week. The new system will significantly reduce costs for growers and allow them to capitalise on opportunities with the coming harvest. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/june/golden_opportunity_for_mangoes_in_chinese_market.

New trade opportunity - more citrus exports to China

The trade in Australian citrus to China is expected to prosper following this week's government negotiations to improve market access. The revised quarantine conditions will allow more Australian citrus including limes, tangelos and sweetie grapefruit to access all ports in China. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/june/another_new_trade_opportunity_-_more_citrus_exports_to_china.

Global Biosecurity 2010

An international biosecurity conference will be held in Brisbane from 28 February – 3 March 2010. Global Biosecurity 2010 is Australia's first international conference and exhibition focused on agricultural and environmental biosecurity. Registration is now open via the conference website at http://www.globalbiosecurity2010.com/.

Rural awards celebrate biosecurity

Animal Health Australia is seeking producers in rural and outback Australia to enter The Farm Biosecurity Award. The award is part of the inaugural Australian Rural and Outback Awards and recognises sound biosecurity practices that contribute to reducing the impact of diseases, pests and weeds on farms and on 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. Visit www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au or www.planthealthaustralia.com.au/site/index.asp for further information.

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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. Visit www.daff.gov.au/aaws for further information.

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.

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PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS

Optimism for winter crops following recent rain

Recent rainfall across Australia's grains belt has brought optimism to winter crop planting and production. The forecast came as ABARE upgraded its estimate of  2008-09 summer grain production in its latest quarterly Australian crop report. Winter crop production in 2009-10 is forecast to be around 1.6 million tonnes more than the previous season’s harvest and the area planted to wheat is forecast to remain above 13 million hectares for the second consecutive year. Visit www.abare.gov.au/corporate/media/2009_releases/16June_09.html for further information. For a free download of the Australian crop report, visit http://www.abare.gov.au/publications_html/news/news/news.html or phone 02 6272 2211.

Improved financial performance of beef farms in 2008-09

A report released by ABARE this week, Australian beef: Financial performance of beef farms, 2006-07 to 2008-09, projects an increase in farm cash income for beef farms in northern and southern Australia. On average, farm cash income for beef producers in northern Australia is projected to increase to more than $105 000 per farm in 2008-09. The average farm cash income for producers in southern Australia is expected to increase to around $66 000 in 2008-09. Visit http://www.abare.gov.au/corporate/media/2009_releases/17june_09.html for further information. For a free download of Australian beef: Financial performance of beef farms, 2006-07 to 2008-09, visit www.abare.gov.au/publications_html/news/news/news.html or phone 02 6272 2211.

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 http://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. For more information visit congress.nff.org.au/awards.html.

ABARE's Armidale Regional Outlook conference, 1 July 2009

With the conference program tailored to your region, this is your chance to hear from a diverse range of local speakers, complemented by ABARE economists and analysts, at the Armidale Regional Outlook conference on Wednesday 1 July. Access the latest commodity data, economic forecasts and research results plus hear business stories and updates on regional industries from 12 speakers across four sessions. Hear from speakers including:

• ABARE’s Terry Sheales on national and international issues affecting the region
• Barry Ruddy, Westpac, on a banker’s perspective on rural finances
• Caroline Gunning-Trant, ABARE, with the commodity outlook and farm performance
• Andrew White, Forest Enterprises Australia, on the role for plantation timber and the processing sectors
• Robert Kelly, Mt William, on investing in farming systems for the future
• Barry Hanstrum, Bureau of Meteorology, with the regional climate outlook
• John Sims, Bureau of Rural Sciences, on soil carbon for productivity or trading?
• Uralla grazier Sonia Williams, with farmers adapting to climate change
• Godfrey Dol, Blush Premium Truss Tomatoes, on opportunities for expansion in regional Australia
• Milly and Michael Taylor, Taylor’s Run, on developing alternative on-farm enterprises.

The conference is open to anyone with an interest in their community. 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, visit http://www.abare.gov.au/regional/pdf/armidale/pro_web.htm or 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 for further information.