PORTFOLIO NEWS

Governments committed to sustainable forest management in Tasmania

The Australian and Tasmanian governments have released a joint response to the second five-yearly review of the Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke and Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Resources David Llewellyn said the response highlighted the determination of both governments to work cooperatively to keep Tasmania’s forests well managed and sustainable. The joint response is available at www.daff.gov.au/tas-rfa-joint-response. Read the joint media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/january/rudd__and__tasmanian_governments_committed_to_sustainable_forest_management_in_tasmania

New funding to tackle destructive feral animal pests

Australia’s most damaging vertebrate pests, including camels, foxes and wild dogs, will be targeted by 12 new Australian Government projects around the country. Minister Burke said the projects would receive more than $629,700 through the Australian Pest Animal Management Program (APAMP), administered by the Bureau of Rural Sciences. More information on the APAMP is available at www.daff.gov.au/brs/land/feral-animals/apamp. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/january/new_funding_to_tackle_destructive_feral_animal_pests more land

Helping managers adapt to climate change

The Australian Government continues to support primary producers as they adapt to a changing climate, announcing $3 million in funding under the second round of the FarmReady Industry Grants. Minister Burke said the funding would help producers across Australia increase their self-reliance and preparedness for climate change. Primary producers, natural resource management groups and Indigenous land managers can apply for grants of up to $80,000 a year under the program. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/january/rudd_government_helping_more_land_managers_adapt_to_climate_change R&D Council

Rural Investment Plan: stakeholder consultation

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 has 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 on how greater investment can be encouraged and how we can best use our existing resources to meet the challenges. Make a submission onlineat http://www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/innovation/council
Submissions close 19 February 2010.

EVENTS

Foot and mouth disease experts to meet in Melbourne—FMD 2010

The latest developments in foot and mouth disease (FMD) research, diagnostics, surveillance and control measures will be discussed at the inaugural international FMD Symposium and Workshop to be held in Melbourne from 12 to 14 April 2010.

A unique feature of the symposium will be its scenario-based interactive workshop led by Dr Ross Cutler, a leading Australian veterinarian and facilitator. The workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to be part of a realistic exercise, to question the reason for certain decisions, to provide their views and to increase their knowledge of how an FMD emergency response would be carried out in a disease-free setting. It will build on the lessons learned from the recent Exercise DIVA conducted by DPI Victoria, which focused on a response to an FMD outbreak with particular emphasis on the role of vaccination. Further information about the symposium is available at www.FMD2010.com.au. symposium is generously supported by Meat and Livestock Australia, the Australian cattle industry, CSIRO’s Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL), Merial and DAFF. FMD 2010 is being hosted by DAFF, AAHL, Animal Health Australia and the DPI Vic.

The National Landcare Forum 2010

Minister Burke will host the National Landcare Forum at Allan Scott Park, Adelaide from 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 www.nationallandcareforum.com.au.

Global Biosecurity 2010 conference

The frenetic increase in international travel and trade presents challenges for the future of Australia's agricultural industries and native environment. While our global interconnectedness increases opportunities for economic success and community development, it also increases the risk of spreading harmful pests and diseases. Global Biosecurity 2010: safeguarding agriculture and the environment is the first conference of its kind in Australia that will bring together governments, agricultural industries and environmental organisations to discuss the best ways to manage the risks pre-border, at the border and post-border.

The conference will provide an opportunity to:

• explore the drivers behind biosecurity
• understand the threats and their impact
• find out what information is out there and how to access it
• appreciate the policy, regulations and operational procedures underpinning biosecurity planning and responses.

Date: 28 February—3 March 2010

Location: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Queensland

Web: www.globalbiosecurity2010.com

Outlook 2010 – marking 40 years of economic debate

ABARE’s Outlook conference, coming up on 2 and 3 March, marks the 40th anniversary of the Outlook conference series. Executive Director of ABARE, Phillip Glyde, reflects on how the conference has changed over the last 40 years:

“Well, for a start we no longer cover tobacco, fruit and eggs as individual commodities as we did in 1971! The Outlook conference has always been a public forum to discuss key ABARE research ranging from commodity projections through to our analysis of trade issues, farm performance and emerging industries. One thing I have noticed is the evolution of the conference to reflect current market issues. This year we’re looking at productivity growth in the farm sector and why it appears to be slowing down."

Phillip Glyde is speaking in the Economic overview session on Tuesday 2 March, along with Murilo Portugal from the International Monetary Fund and Westpac's Bill Evans.

With registrations open for delegates, now is the time to book and take advantage of this chance to hear from internationally and nationally regarded speakers across 21 sessions. Flexible registration options include single day, two day, and group registrations. Visit ABARE’s website, www.abare.gov.au/outlook, to register online or to download the registration form. For further enquiries, contact Angela Ellerman on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 02 6272 2303.