PORTFOLIO NEWS

Sugarcane waste to power homes

Tens of thousands of homes along the Queensland and northern NSW coast could be powered by renewable energy from sugarcane waste. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said last week the passage of the  Renewable Energy Target (RET) legislation opened up significant opportunities for agriculture, particularly in the sugar industry. A $100 million Mackay Sugar project to expand an existing cogeneration plant could supply one-third of the power needs of Mackay, on the mid-Queensland coast. Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/august/sugarcane_waste_to_power_homes_along_nsw_and_queensland_coast

$6.4 million to support regional jobs

$6.4 million will help 15 regional businesses boost innovation in Australia’s food industry. Minister Burke announced the funding last week under the first round of the Regional Food Producers Innovation and Productivity Program. The program will help support regional jobs and regional economies through new technology and productivity improvements. Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/august/$6.4_million_to_support_regional_jobs_through_food_innovation

More grants open to help farmers adapt to climate change

The government has announced the latest round of funding to help farmers adapt to climate change. Last week, Minister Burke declared applications open for the second round of FarmReady Industry Grants. The funding supports projects that help farmers adapt to climate change, mitigate its effects and encourage the best management techniques. Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/august/more_grants_open_to_help_farmers_adapt_to_climate_change

Government accepts advice on Northern Territory

The government has accepted independent advice on a request from the Northern Territory Government to reinstate Exceptional Circumstances (EC) drought assistance. EC assistance for the area in question was not extended beyond 15 June 2009. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry figures show seven producers were receiving EC interest rate subsidies in the South East Alice Springs area. No producers were accessing income support. Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/august/government_accepts_advice_on_northern_territory_ec_region

Report shows pests cost agriculture

A report released last week shows pests continue to have a major economic impact on our agricultural industries. Minister Burke launched the report, The economic impacts of vertebrate pests in Australia, produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre (CRC). The report found rabbits, wild dogs, mice, foxes, feral pigs and pest birds cost agriculture an estimated $620.8 million in losses per year. Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/august/report_shows_pests_continue_to_cost_our_agricultural_industries

PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS

Biological Control of Chalkbrood by Anti-fungal Symbionts of Bees

The Australian agicultural industry is under significant threat from several pests and diseases. According to a report released by RIRDC last week, protecting apiaries from pests and diseases such as Chalkbrood and American Foulbrood is an essential part of commercial bee keeping.  Gut microbiota was also found to play an extremely important role in honey bees, as they may contribute to food digestion, produce essential vitamins and prevent potentially harmful pathogens from colonising the gut. For a free download of Biological Control of Chalkbrood by Anti-fungal Symbionts of Bees, visit www.rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/09-120 Clare Regional Outlook conference

 EVENTS

ABARE’s Clare Regional Outlook conference

Access the latest commodity data, economic forecasts and research results at ABARE’s Clare Regional Outlook conference on Wednesday 26 August.

This is your chance to hear from a diverse range of speakers, including:

• ABARE’s Jammie Penm on economic issues affecting the region
• Mike Nolan, Westpac, on a banker’s perspective on rural finances
• Leanne Lawrance, ABARE, with the commodity outlook and farm performance
• Frank Nicholls, Clare Region Winegrape Growers Assoc and Neville Rowe, Clare Valley Winemakers on operating in a tough and changing environment
• Mark Branson, Clifton, on using modern farm systems to improve profit and the environment
• ABARE’s Melanie Ford, with agriculture: moving toward emissions trading
• Darren Ray, Bureau of Meteorology, discussing El Nino and climate change: an update for South Australia
• Andy McPharlin, Office for Water Security, on Water for Good – ensuring South Australia’s water future
• John Gray, Bureau of Rural Sciences, on soil carbon
• Brett Roberts with building the grains supply chain
• Sally Hawker on agritourism: making the farm lifestyle a business
• Craig Jaeschke discussing farming full circle for sustainability
• Mary Retallack on helping grapegrowers become winegrowers

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. 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

TIME TO ACT, 13-15 OCTOBER 2009

Farmsafe WA Alliance is hosting the seventh National Farm Health and Safety Conference, Time to Act. The conference aims to reflect on the safety of farming and rural communities. The conference provides an excellent opportunity for attendees to discuss safety issues and learn various injury prevention strategies surrounding the agricultural sector. For further information, visit www.farmsafewa.org/page/National-Conference.aspx