PORTFOLIO NEWS

Final milestone passed on wheat export reforms

Australia’s reformed and fully operational bulk wheat export marketing system has now taken effect. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke welcomed the news that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) had approved the grain port access arrangements of CBH, GrainCorp and Ausbulk. It is the final milestone in the delivery of the reforms, which will ensure fair access to port infrastructure for all wheat growers and exporters. The ACCC said the access arrangements ‘will unlock constraints at grain ports, to the benefit of the overall Australian economy.’ Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/october/final_milestone_passed_on_wheat_export_reforms

Queensland Exceptional Circumstances application referred for advice

The Federal Government has received an application from the Queensland Government for Exceptional Circumstances assistance for flood-affected farmers in the Gulf Country. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the application had been referred urgently to the National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) for independent advice. The NRAC will make a full assessment of the application and provide advice back to the Federal Government. Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/october/queensland_exceptional_circumstances_application_referred_for_advice

Another transparency measure on wheat reforms delivered

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke have announced the Productivity Commission has begun an inquiry into Australia’s new wheat export marketing arrangements. Legislation introduced last year requires the Productivity Commission to hold an inquiry into the operation of the Act and the export accreditation scheme. It is one of a number of checks and transparency measures incorporated to assist wheat growers and industry with the transition. Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/september/another_transparency_measure_on_wheat_reforms_delivered

ABARE’s Devonport Regional Outlook conference

The Commodity outlook and financial performance of key agricultural industries in northern Tasmania was released at ABARE's  Devonport Regional Outlook conference on 30 September. Northern Tasmania hosts a diverse range of agricultural activities, and delegates at the conference heard about the economic significance of key agricultural industries in the region.  For a free download of the conference paper, visit www.abare.gov.au/publications_html/news/news/news.html

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PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS

National Research, Development and Extension Strategy for New and Emerging Industries

A report published by RIRDC this week profiles 35 emerging animal and plant industries, and provides a picture of their overall worth to the Australian economy. Together the selected emerging industries had an estimated gross value of production of $411 million. They earned estimated export revenue of $240 million. These values are likely to grow in future years because many of the emerging industries appear to have strong growth prospects. For a free downlad of National Research, Development and Extension Strategy for New and Emerging Industries, visit rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/09-138

Vegetable farm incomes largely maintained in 2007-08, despite adverse seasonal conditions

Although adverse seasonal conditions in many vegetable growing regions in 2007-08 led to a fall in average yields and lower vegetable production, average farm cash incomes of vegetable farms declined by only 3 per cent. This and other findings are contained in the report Australian vegetable growing farms: an economic survey, 2007-08, recently released by ABARE. Another factor identified in the report as contributing to a lower average farm cash income in 2007-08 was an increase in average cash costs, of 2 per cent, because of higher costs for inputs such as fertiliser. For a free download of the report, visit www.abare.gov.au/publications_html/news/news/news.html

EVENTS

Time to Act

Farmsafe WA Alliance is hosting the seventh National Farm Health and Safety Conference, Time to Act,  from 13 to 15 October 2009. 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

Global Biosecurity 2010

An international biosecurity conference will be held in Brisbane from 28 February – 3 March 2010. Global Biosecurity 2012 is Australia's first international conference and exhibition to focus on agricultural and environmental biosecurity. Registration is now open via the conference website. Visit www.globalbiosecurity2010.com/