PORTFOLIO NEWS

EC assistance for Queensland’s Gulf farmers

Farmers in Queensland’s Gulf region who were severely affected by floodwaters last year can now access Exceptional Circumstances (EC) assistance after the Australian Government accepted the independent advice of the National Rural Advisory Council. The decision follows an application from the Queensland Government for EC for the Gulf region to assist farmers impacted by the floods and subsequent drought. EC assistance has been made available until 15 June 2011. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/february/ec_assistance_for_queenslands_gulf_farmers

$70m sustainable agriculture flagship launched

The Australian Government has launched a new multi-million dollar research initiative to boost productivity and reduce carbon emissions across  Australia’s agricultural and forestry sectors. The new $70 million CSIRO Sustainable Agriculture Flagship will aim to strike a balance between environmental concerns and the need for ongoing prosperity in the agriculture and forestry industries. Read the joint media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/february/$70m_sustainable_agriculture_flagship_launched

Sweet times ahead for our Tasmanian cherries

Tasmanian cherries will be sharing pride of place at Korean Lunar New Year celebrations, as Tasmanian growers this week begin shipping the first-ever consignments of Australian cherries to the Republic of Korea. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said, "Our Australian cherries have a reputation internationally for being among the best in the world. Pretty soon Korean consumers will be able to experience this first hand.” Read the joint media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/february/sweet_times_ahead_for_our_tasmanian_cherries

Additional training support for kangaroo harvesters

The Australian Government is allocating an additional $400,000 to help upskill workers in the kangaroo industry. Minister Burke said it is important that the 4,000 people employed within the kangaroo industry are equipped with the skills to best perform their jobs. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/february/additional_training_support_for_kangaroo_harvesters

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. 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

Understanding the communication needs of LOTE growers

The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated that in 2003, there were approximately 4390 vegetable growing operations and 6000 growers in Australia, producing more than $1.7 billion worth of produce. Furthermore, a report conducted in 2005 identified 40 per cent of Australian growers were from a Language Other Than English (LOTE) background. This RIRDC report, Better Communication with Vegetable Growers with a Language other than English, brings together valuable information on LOTE growers and outlines how the communication barrier can be broken down. Read the report on the RIRDC website at https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/10-002

EVENTS

Primary Industries Education Foundation (PIEF) national workshop

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. Further information about the symposium is available at www.FMD2010.com.au.

The 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 less than three weeks to go, don’t forget to register for ABARE’s Outlook 2010 conference. Register online, or download the registration form and return it to ABARE. Flexible registration options include two day registrations, single day tickets and a group rate for organisations registering four or more delegates.

Given the current interest in climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, don’t miss the session Climate change and forestry on Tuesday morning, with speakers from the Australian National University, Biosecurity Services Group and Scalzo Food Industries.  On Tuesday afternoon, attend the session Agriculture and greenhouse gas emissions and hear from ABARE, the University of Melbourne and the Bureau of Rural Sciences.

Hear how irrigators and water managers will respond to persisting drought across two sessions: Irrigation farm performance and Water policy – its role in climate adaptation. Hear from ABARE, Irrigation Australia and a primary producer from South Australia in the Irrigation farm performance session. The Water policy session on Wednesday morning will hear from the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, the South Australian Research and Development Institute, as well as ABARE.

Visit the Outlook website, www.abare.gov.au/outlook, to browse the full 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.