PORTFOLIO NEWS
Rural R&D Council 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 online (http://www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/innovation/council). Submissions close 19 February 2010.

PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS
AFMA Update

The latest issue of AFMA Update, the newsletter of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, is now available at http://www.afma.gov.au/information/publications/newsletters/afma_update/docs/update_0702/update_0702.htm
Inside this edition:

Porbeagle, Shortfin Mako and Longfin Mako Shark listed as migratory species;
GOFish outage notification;
Northern Prawn Fishery moves to GOFish;
last chance: National Seafood Industry Leadership Program;
other fishery updates.

Report investigates the merits of tea tree oil as a wound treatment

A new RIRDC report, The Role of Tea Tree Oil in the Decolonisation of MRSA Positive Wounds, details the results of a pilot study investigating whether tea tree oil is a useful wound treatment product. It is important because tea tree oil is used widely for this purpose despite a lack of comprehensive evidence that it is beneficial. The results of this study begin to address this knowledge void and further support the use of tea tree oil as a wound care agent. This report also helps to fine tune the study designs most likely to succeed in future work examining the use of tea tree oil in wound care products. Read the report on the RIRDC website at https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/10-006 Industries Education Foundation (PIEF) national workshop

EVENTS

Primary

PIEF is hosting a workshop to provide networking opportunities and strengthen interaction between participants, educators and industry. It is also an occasion for showcasing initiatives and sharing ideas. The workshop will be professionally facilitated and involve a number of speakers. Expected attendees include farmers, teachers and representatives from research and development organisations, professional associations and relevant national and state government departments. More information is available online.

Date: 25 to 26 February 2010

Location: University House, Australian National University Campus, Canberra ACT

Registration fee: $100; workshop dinner $60

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 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.

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 past 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 the 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—2 & 3 March in Canberra

With just one month to go, ABARE has received strong interest from local and overseas delegates heading to Canberra for the Outlook conference. Register quickly online via the secure website (www.abare.gov.au/outlook) or if you prefer, download the registration form and send it back to ABARE.

Commodity sessions

Explore the outlook and industry trends for key commodities at the following Outlook commodity sessions:

Grains—includes speakers from ABARE, University of Adelaide and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada;
Fibres—speakers from The Merino Company, the International Cotton Advisory Committee and ABARE;
Fisheries—with presentations from ABARE, MG Kailis Group, Recfishwest and Ridge Partners;
Wine—hear from North East Valleys Wine Group, Constellation Wines Australia and ABARE;
Meat—includes presentations from McDonalds Australia, Meat and Livestock Australia, as well as ABARE;
Sugar—speakers include representatives from the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association, CSR and ABARE;
Dairy—hear from ABARE, Ashgrove Cheese and Dairy Australia;

Visit the Outlook website, www.abare.gov.au/outlook, to browse the program and access conference information. For enquiries, please contact Angela Ellerman on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 02 6272 2303.