PORTFOLIO NEWS

Australia gains access to new EU beef quota

Minister for Trade Simon Crean and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke have announced that the European Union (EU) has granted Australia market access to its new EU Tariff Quota for high quality beef. The duty-free quota, which first became available in August last year, provides for an additional global supply of 20,000 tonnes of high quality beef into the EU each year. Read the joint media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/january/australia_gains_access_to_new_eu_beef_quota consultation

Rural R&D Council Investment Plan: stakeholder

Rural industries have made an enduring contribution to the Australian economy and quality of life, by providing a plentiful domestic food supply and operating successfully in competitive international markets. The sector has been innovative and continually adapted to changing economic, environmental and social conditions. Investment in research and development has been a major factor in this success. However, rural industries now face a confluence of significant challenges, including: a need to adapt to and mitigate against the impact of climate change; increasing pressure on global food security; declining productivity growth in some industries; a highly competitive international trade environment; and labour and skills shortages. The Rural R&D Council welcomes your views regarding how greater investment can be encouraged and how we can best use our existing resources to meet the challenges. Make a submission online at http://www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/innovation/council
Submissions close 19 February 2010.

PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS

Wheat Exports Australia's latest newsletter

The January 2010 issue of Wheat Export News is now online at http://www.wea.gov.au/Publications/Newsletters/2010-01.html and includes:

• smooth transition to wheat marketing reform
• number of accredited exporters continues to rise
• 2008-09 fast facts
• stakeholder forums

More momentum for mohair

A three-year study comparing the profitability of similar sized mohair and wool farms has found mohair farmers regularly enjoy higher financial returns than their wool counterparts. The study Benchmarking mohair production in Australia provides a timely boost to Australia’s mohair industry as it reinforces the financial viability of the industry at a time when it has struggled to attract new members and investment. Read the report on the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation website at https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/09-171

EVENTS

National Landcare Forum 2010

Minister Burke will host the National Landcare Forum at Allan Scott Park, Adelaide on 22 to 25 March 2010. The theme is Landcare celebrates—20 years of achievements and future challenges. The forum will recognise the significant contribution made by the Australian community to Landcare over the last 20 years. It will bring together Landcare and community groups, regional bodies and industry and government representatives.

For more information visit http://www.nationallandcareforum.com.au

Register today forABARE’s Outlook 2010 conference

Marking 40 years of economic debate, ABARE’s Outlook 2010 features a comprehensive program and sessions on industry issues and key commodity outlooks delivered by leading international and national speakers including Murilo Portugal, International Monetary Fund; Bill Evans, Westpac; Tom Shenstone, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; Marcos Jank, Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association; Armelle Gruere, International Cotton Advisory Committee; and Robert Thompson, University of Illinois. With ABARE's release of economic forecasts to 2014-15 for Australia’s key agricultural and resource commodities, we hope you will find that Outlook 2010 delivers the essential information for your work.

Did you know that groups of four or more delegates registering together can take advantage of the group registration rate of $850pp? This rate includes the conference dinner and attendance to all sessions. All registration forms and payment details must be received together. For more information, please visit the website (www.abare.gov.au/outlook) or contact Angela Ellerman ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) at ABARE on 02 6272 2303. The individual registration rate is $1250pp.

Date: Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 March 2010

Location: Canberra

Web: www.abare.gov.au/outlook:

Enquiries:  Angela Ellerman on 02 6272 2303 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it