PORTFOLIO NEWS

Government receives an application for EC assistance in the Dunedoo region

The Australian Government has received an application from the NSW Government for Exceptional Circumstances (EC) assistance for farmers in the Dunedoo region. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the application has been referred to the independent National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) for advice. NRAC will assess the application and provide advice back to the Federal Government. Read the media release: http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/march/government_receives_an_application_for_ec_assistance_in_the_dunedoo_region

Government receives revised application for EC in the Eurobodalla Shire

The Australian Government has received a revised application for EC for the Eurobodalla-shire Shoalhaven area of New South Wales. The revised application has been referred to the independent NRAC for assessment. This follows an earlier application assessed by NRAC which recommended that EC not be declared. The previous application covered a broader area which included Ulladulla, Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma. Read the media release: http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/march/government_receives_revised_application_for_ec_in_the_eurobodalla_shire

Australian dairy exporters to benefit from improved market access

Australian dairy exporters will benefit from improved access to overseas markets after every dairy herd in the nation was found to be free from Enzootic Bovine Leukosis (EBL). Minister Burke said the entire Australian dairy herd had been tested to meet the Australian criteria for Provisional Freedom from EBL. Read the media release: http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/march/australian_dairy_exporters_to_benefit_from_improved_market_access

Agvet reforms: comments on data protection welcome

DAFF invites interested parties to provide comments on the issues raised in a consultation paper developed by the Australian Environment Agency on ‘early harvest reforms’. The Council of Australian Governments agreed to a range of reforms to create a national forum for agricultural and veterinary chemicals, including improving data protection provisions for agricultural product registrants. The paper summarises the issues around data protection and is designed to encourage comments on innovative and effective solutions. Comments must be received by 19 March 2010, and more information can be found on the DAFF website.
http://www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/food/regulation-safety/ag-vet-chemicals/domestic-policy/psic/early_harvest_reforms_-_data_protection

PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS

Farm export earnings to rise toward 2014-15

The value of Australia's farm exports is forecast to be around $29 billion in both 2009-10 and 2010-11, before increasing to $32.2 billion (in 2009-10 dollars) in 2014-15. This and other commodity projections out to 2014-15 are contained in the March issue of Australian commodities released this week by ABARE. Read the report on the ABARE website http://www.abare.gov.au by following the latest releases menu.

Australia's primary industries in your pocket and worth a glance

Released on 3 March, the 2010 edition of Australia's agriculture, fisheries and forestry at a glance provides easy-to-read information on the key features of Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries including size, location, contribution to the economy, export standing and major markets for the various industries. It also has information on the people who work in our agriculture and food industries, highlighting their contribution to sustaining the sector as a dynamic part of Australia's economy. Read the publication on the DAFF website http://www.daff.gov.au/about/publications/australias_agriculture,_fisheries_and_forestry_at_a_glance_2010

Australia's forest facts at your fingertips

Did you know that Australia’s forestry and forest products industries have an annual turnover of about $23 billion and employ almost 77,000 people? If you didn’t, grab yourself a copy of the 2010 edition of Australia’s forests at a glance, produced by the Bureau of Rural Sciences. This pocket-sized publication, updated annually, provides a snapshot of our forests and their management, including their size, location, and their contribution to the economy and export markets. Australia's forests at a glance 2010 can be downloaded from the DAFF website.
www.daff.gov.au/brs/publications

New industries for future climates

This Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) project explored the potential for new industries and enterprises to fill land-use opportunities in areas where current agricultural industries may be strongly challenged by future climates. The specific aims were to identify the regions and industries where climate change will alter the current mix of agricultural industries, determine the plant traits required for successful new industries in future climates, and suggest new industries that meet these criteria. Read the report - New rural industries for future climates - on the RIRDC website: https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/items/10-010

EVENTS

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/

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.

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.

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.