Portfolio news
$403 million investment for sustainable agriculture

The Australian Government has committed $403 million to environmental and sustainable farming projects under Caring for our Country. It will be the single biggest investment over the next four years under the landmark $2 billion program. Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/july_new/$403_million_investment_for_the_ausralian_environment_and_sustainable_agriculture.

$50 million flowing in the fight to save the Great Barrier Reef

The Australian Government has made a $50 million down-payment in the fight to save the iconic Great Barrier Reef. The funding is part of the $200 million Reef Rescue project. It will be provided through a partnership of seven Queensland natural resource management bodies, six peak agriculture industry groups and the World Wide Fund for Nature. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/july_new/$50_million_flowing_in_the_fight_to_save_the_great_barrier_reef.

Mail with a sting in its tail

Customs and Border Protection investigators have executed search and seizure warrants on a house in Doonside, NSW. Investigations began on Sunday 14 June  following the detection of a package containing live tarantulas and scorpions by Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) officers at Sydney’s international mail centre. Read the media release at http://www.daff.gov.au/about/media-centre/dept-releases/2009/mail_with_a_sting_in_its_tail.

Another $2 million to support women in agriculture

More women will be supported as agricultural leaders with another $2 million in grants announced by the Australian Government under the Recognising Women Farmers initiative. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke announced the next round of funding for 47 grants, including for women in the veterinary, grain, sugar and dairy industries. The first $1 million for 29 projects was announced last month. Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/july_new/another_$2_million_to_support_more_women_leaders_in_agriculture

NRAC retains existing members

The Australian Government has retained existing members of the National Rural Advisory Council, who provide expert advice on drought declarations. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the move was made possible by legislative amendments successfully passed by the government last month. Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/july_new/existing_nrac_members_will_continue_to_assess_drought_declarations.

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 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.

Receive the latest media release headlines from Minister Tony Burke direct to your RSS news reader—subscribe at www.maff.gov.au/media.

PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS

ABARE tracks meat trends

According to the latest report from ABARE,  the Australian red meat  industry has become more reliant on export markets over the past 20 years. The report, which was released this week, analyses trends in red meat production and looks at the industry’s contribution to the Australian economy.  For a free download of The value of the red meat industry in Australia,  visit www.abare.gov.au/publications_html/news/news/news.html.

EVENTS

2009 QFF Annual Conference

The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) 2009 Annual Conference will be held on 9 July. The Deputy Executive Director of ABARE, Terry Sheales, and the Chief Executive of the Murray Darling Basin Authority, Rob Freeman, will speak at the forum. The program will explore how the Queensland agricultural industry can achieve $34 billion in growth by 2020, current issues affecting primary industries and potential solutions for a strategic approach to sustainable agriculture. For a copy of the program or registration form, phone 07 3837 4747 or visit http://www.qff.org.au/. what's turning 50?

Guess

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!