PORTFOLIO NEWS

Government accepts independent advice on Exceptional Circumstances assistance in parts of NSW, South Australia and Victoria

The Australian Government has accepted independent advice on whether to further extend Exceptional Circumstances (EC) assistance in 34 areas of NSW, South Australia and Victoria. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the independent National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) had reviewed the areas, which are due to expire on 31 March 2010. Under the current system NRAC considers whether seasonal conditions have allowed the majority of producers to return to typical farm management practices. The committee recommended EC assistance be extended for two-thirds of the areas and found it should not be extended for the other third. NRAC’s recommendations on the 34 EC declared areas can be found at www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/drought/ec. Read the media release

PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS

Report gives new hope to Aussie chocoholics

The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) has released the results of a comprehensive study that will have chocoholics happier than Easter morning, with the report concluding that the production of cocoa is feasible in northern Australia. Producing Cocoa in Northern Australia contains the results of an eight year study into the production of cocoa in the northern regions of Western Australia, Queensland the Northern Territory. Read the report on the RIRDC website at www.rirdc.gov.au

Profitability improves in key Commonwealth fisheries

Profitability has improved in three key Commonwealth fisheries since the conclusion of the Securing Our Fishing Future structural adjustment package in November 2006, according to ABARE’s latest report on the effects of the fishery entitlement buyback. Read the report — Impact of the structural adjustment package on the profitability of Commonwealth fisheries — on the ABARE website (www.abre.gov.au) by following the latest releases menu.

EVENTS

Outlook 2010 is next week!

ABARE is pleased to announce that Minister Burke is delivering the Opening address on Tuesday morning from 9am. The Opening address will be followed by the plenary Economic overview at 9.45 am, with presentations from ABARE’s Executive Director Phillip Glyde; Murilo Portugal, Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund; and Bill Evans, Westpac’s Chief Economist.

Day two of Outlook 2010 will be opened by The Hon Anthony Byrne MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, from 9am, followed by sessions on Future directions for trade policy; Water policy; Meat; and R&D – building a strong agriculture sector, all from 9.45 am.

Wednesday Workshops - free to attend

A third workshop has been announced for the afternoon of Wednesday 3 March. Hosted by the OECD, the workshop will cover “The what, where and how of the Producer Support Estimate for agriculture”. Other workshops at this time are “Next generation in the rural sector”, presented by Nuffield Australia and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation; and “Exploring northern Australia”, presented by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. Workshops are free and begin at 2.00 pm on Wednesday 3 March.

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 or 0408 487 825.

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 a two-day workshop designed to help 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/

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