PORTFOLIO NEWS

Government responds to report on illegal logging
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke has said the Australian Government is determined to restrict the importation of illegally logged wood products. The Centre for International Economics (the CIE) has released its final report to inform the government's Regulation Impact Statement for the proposed new policy on illegally-logged timber.“We will take into account the CIE report together with the issues raised by industry stakeholders and the work of other governments—particularly the United States and the European Union to identify and restrict trade in illegally logged timber products," Mr Burke said. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/february/government_responds_to_report_on_illegal_logging

Productivity Commission inquiry into rural research and development

Assistant Treasurer Senator Nick Sherry and Minister Burke have announced the terms of reference for a Productivity Commission inquiry into rural research and development corporation arrangements. The inquiry will consider the economic and policy rationale for Australian Government investment in rural research and development. For more information, go to www.pc.gov.au. Read the joint media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/february/productivity_commission_inquiry_into_rural_research_and_development AND REPORTS

PUBLICATIONS

Rain improves summer crop yield potential, but area down

Rain in January and February in Queensland and northern New South Wales has improved the yield potential for summer crops but overall area planted and production is forecast to be lower than last season, commented Paul Morris, ABARE’s Deputy Executive Director on releasing the latest Australian crop report. Read the report on the ABARE website (www.abare.gov.au) by following the latest releases menu.

EVENTS

Outlook 2010 is less than two weeks away

With less than two weeks to go until ABARE’s Outlook 2010 conference, don’t forget to register – either online or using the registration form. This is your chance to hear from national and international speakers on the key issues for Australia’s rural sector. ABARE is pleased to announce that Minsiter Burke will deliver the opening address on Tuesday morning at 9am. The conference also includes speakers from the IMF, Westpac, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade NZ, McDonalds, Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association, University of Illinois and others.

Wednesday Workshops

New to Outlook 2010 this year are the Wednesday Workshops, held in the afternoon from 2pm, Wednesday 3 March. Free for anyone to attend, the workshops will run across three theatres and will look at the “Next generation in the rural sector”, presented by Nuffield Australia; “Exploring Northern Australia”, presented by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; and the OECD hosted workshop “The what, where and how of the Producer Support Estimate for agriculture”.

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.

Help shape the future of rural research, development and extension

Scientists, administrators and industry leaders with an interest in the rural sector are invited to be part of a two-day workshop designed to shape the future of rural research, development and extension. The event, to be held in Canberra on 11 and 12 March, is being convened by the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology (AIAST). Download the conference program and registration form from the AIAST website at http://www.aiast.com.au/

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 at http://www.primaryindustrieseducation.com.au/workshop.htm:

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. 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.

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 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