PORTFOLIO NEWS

Beef was from New Zealand not China

In response to claims that Chinese beef has been imported into Australia, Minister Burke was advised by the Director of Quarantine that the beef was from NZ. Subsequently, Minister Burke asked the Director of Quarantine to review arrangements to maintain confidence in Australia's biosecurity and quarantine system. Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/september/director_of_quarantine_advice_beef_was_from_new_zealand

$1million more to fight cane toads

The government has announced more than $1 million in extra funding to help slow the advance of cane toads. Agriculture Minister Tony Burke and Environment Minister Peter Garrett announced the funding, under Caring for our Country. Mr Burke said investment in scientific research was essential for productive agricultural industries and a sustainable environment. Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/august/more_than_$1_million_extra_to_fight_cane_toads

Growing rabbit problem in cities

New Rabbitscan maps released today show rabbits are moving into our cities. Minister Burke said last week that rabbits were once seen as a problem only affecting farmers and regional areas, but that perception was changing. For the first time, researchers have produced national maps pinpointing rabbit populations, based on reports from more than 3,000 individual landholders and community groups. Read the media release at maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/september/growing_rabbit_problem_in_city_sportsgrounds,_golf_clubs,_parks

Attracting tourists to the farm-gate

The government is strengthening its efforts to lure more tourists to regional areas by promoting the fresh produce for sale at the farm-gate. Minister Burke launched an initial study in March, to look at what drives food tourism and how the industry could grow. The Bureau of Rural Sciences study will be expanded to investigate particular businesses and regions in more detail. Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/august/stronger_push_to_attract_tourists_to_the_farm-gate

New science lab to help irrigators and farmers

Minister Burke has opened a new state-of-the-art laboratory in Tasmania to help farmers and irrigators maximise productivity. The $2 million AgVita Analytical lab in Latrobe is a purpose-built agricultural testing facility for analysing nutrients in plants, water and soil. The lab will provide accurate information to producers to aid in the development of farming techniques, and will provide support for management groups and water authorities. Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/september/new_tasmanian_science_lab_opened_to_help_irrigators_and_farmers

Australian wine: competing on the world stage

The government joined some of the leading Australian wine-making families last week to launch Australian First Families of Wine. The campaign, launched at the Sydney Opera House, aims to place more high-quality local wine on tables overseas. Minister Burke said that while Australia exports high volumes of wine, it is increasingly seen as a cheaper option compared to wines from other countries. According to the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation, in the mid-1980s Australia was a net importer of wine. Today, Australia exports 2.5 million bottles daily, worth about $2.8 billion annually. Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/august/australian_wine_competing_on_the_world_stage

PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS

Fodder Crops Five-Year Research and Development Plan 2009-2013

According to a report released by RIRDC last week, the total value of fodder production is estimated to have averaged $1.4 billion over the five-years to 2006–07. Climate change, reduced availability of irrigation water, increased competition for land from agricultural and non-agricultural users, together with changes in the relative profitability of crops and pastures have resulted in a reshaping of Australian fodder production and use. The report, funded by the Australian Government, forms part of the RIRDC Fodder Crops R&D Program, which supports the development of quality fodder products. For a free download of the report, visit rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/09-130

Commodity outlook and financial performance of key agricultural industries in the South West region of Victoria

A paper released by ABARE last week presents the current commodity outlook and the recent financial performance of some key agricultural industries in Victoria. In dollar value terms, milk was the most significant agricultural product in South West Victoria in 2006-07, accounting for 28 per cent of agricultural production for the region. Cattle and calves had the second largest value, accounting for 17 per cent of the total value of agricultural production in the region. Sheep and lambs represented a further 16 per cent and pastures and crops cut for hay and wool both accounted for around 11 per cent. For a free download of the report, visit www.abare.gov.au/publications_html/news/news/news.html Website Launch

EVENTS

AANRO

The Australian Agriculture and Natural Resources Online (AANRO) re-developed website will be launched on 9 September, 2009. The launch will be held at the Hyatt Hotel, Canberra, in conjunction with the Annual AANRO Forum. AANRO sets a new standard in open access for agriculture and natural resource management. It is a collaborative effort between the 14 rural research and development corporations, the Primary Industries Standing Committee and NRM Standing Committee members.  For further information and registration details, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ABARE’s Devonport Regional Outlook conference

Devonport is hosting ABARE’s sole Tasmanian Regional Outlook conference on Wednesday 30 September. Delegates will access the latest commodity data, economic forecasts and research results plus hear innovative business stories and updates on regional industries.

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

• ABARE’s Terry Sheales on economic issues affecting the region
• Roddy Brown, Westpac, on a banker’s perspective on rural finances
• Daniel Mackinnon, ABARE, with the commodity outlook and farm performance
• Jane Bennett, Ashgrove Cheese, on dairying to be different
• James Walker, Meander Rise, discussing managing risk and taking advantage of opportunities in business
• ABARE’s Edwina Heyhoe with agriculture and forestry: moving toward emissions trading
• Ian Barnes-Keoghan, Bureau of Meteorology, with weather and climate across Tasmania: variability and variations
• James McKee, NRM North, discussing the growing demand for variable water
• John Gray, Bureau of Rural Sciences, on soil carbon for productivity or trading
• Rob Henderson, Henderson Hydroponics, with developing and marketing a premium capsicum product
• Craig Morris, Turners Beach Berry Patch, on turning rocky ground into a berry patch
• Jeremy Dineen, Josef Chromy Wines, discussing building a multi-faceted wine business.

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. Visit www.abare.gov.au/regional or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it