Portfolio news

Review shows progress in NSW Regional Forest Agreements

A progress report on the implementation of the 20-year NSW Regional Forest Agreements shows nearly 90 per cent of the milestones are finalised or underway. Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke and NSW Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Carmel Tebbutt this week released the draft report, covering the Eden, North East and Southern Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs). RFAs set the framework for the management of forests in key forestry regions, balancing conservation with sustainable harvesting of public native forests. Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/june/review_shows_progress_in_nsw_regional_forest_agreements.

More support to help bushfire recovery

The Australian Government has committed $94 000 to help establish a community support centre for families in the timber industry who are rebuilding homes and businesses destroyed in the Victorian bushfires. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke announced the funding to help Timber Communities Australia run the Timber Community and Forest Industry Bushfire Recovery and Rebuilding Centre in Healesville.The centre will operate until November 2009 or until demand for its services ceases. Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/june/more_support_to_help_bushfire_recovery_in_timber_communities. Visit http://www.tca.org.au/index.shtml for further information.

Third term for NRAC members

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the Rural Adjustment Amendment Bill 2009 had passed Parliament, clearing the way for the government to reappoint members of the NRAC for a third term. Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/june/legislation_further_proof_rudd_government_is_continuing_drought_support.

New chair for Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke has appointed a new chair to the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation board. James (Jim) Dominguez CBE AM starts his three-year term on 1 July 2009 and will bring valuable business skills to the role. Read the media release at maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/june/new_chair_for_australian_wine_and_brandy_corporation.

National Avian Influenza Forum talks bird flu

Poultry industry leaders, government officials and key stakeholders met in Canberra last week to review the nation’s preparedness and response capacity for avian influenza. The third annual Government-Industry Avian Influenza Foruman - an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry’s Avian Influenza Program - covered a range of topics, including the continuing global avian influenza and H1N1 situation. The Forum also discussed key areas of future work to strengthen AI preparedness, including emergency vaccine contingency supply arrangements. Read the media release at www.daff.gov.au/about/media-centre/dept-releases/2009/national_avian_influenza_forum_talks_bird_flu.

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 to focus 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. It 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.

Help us to inform you better: do the 'contours' online survey now ...

Do you read 'contours' magazine or have general ideas about how the department can better communicate with you? Complete the online reader survey now! To complete the online reader survey, visit www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=72fFpXstaCWiDdH4_2faBV4w_3d_3d%22%3eClick. For more information on contours visit http://www.daff.gov.au/about/publications/contours.

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 a 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

Slaughter lamb producers to expand production

Producers of slaughter lambs are well placed to expand production in response to strong export demand and high prices. According to a report released by ABARE this week, increased turn-off and higher prices in 2007-08 for lambs resulted in producers realising a 34 per cent increase in average farm cash income to around $92 000 a farm. For a free download of Australian lamb: financial performance of slaughter lamb producing farms, 2006-07 to 2008-09, visit abare.gov.au/publications_html/news/news/news.html or phone 02 6272 2211. Visit http://abare.gov.au/corporate/media/2009_releases/19june_09.html for further information.

Farm exports to rise despite global downturn

Despite the global economic downturn, Australia’s farm export earnings are forecast to rise in both 2008-09 and 2009-10. According to the June issue of Australian commodities released by ABARE this week, total earnings from Australia’s commodity exports will fall by 18 per centin 2009-10, following an estimated rise of 31 per cent in 2008-09. Farm export earnings are forecast to increase by a further 2 per cent in 2009-10, following a strong rise of 16 per cent in 2008-09.  For a free download of the June issue of Australian commodities, visit abare.gov.au/publications_html/news/news/news.html or phone 02 6272 2211. Visit http://abare.gov.au/corporate/media/2009_releases/23june_09.html for further information.

EVENTS

ABARE's Armidale Regional Outlook conference, 1 July 2009

With 13 speakers across four sessions, ABARE's Armidale Regional Outlook conference will explore the key issues for the region. Sessions include the big picture: an economic overview; building sustainable agriculture; water and climate: critical factors; and taking the risk: succeeding in the region.

The conference program is tailored to the Armidale region, and provides an opportunity to hear from a diverse range of local speakers, complemented by ABARE economists and analysts. 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, on 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.

Guess what's turning 50?

DAFFnews will be celebrating it's 50th edition on 10 July!  How much do you know about agriculture? Test your knowledge in our special 50th edition quiz and you could be in the drawer to win the grand prize!  Oh and don't forget to forward this invitation onto your friends and colleagues...