PORTFOLIO NEWS

Government accepts independent advice on Bundarra EC application

The Australian Government has accepted independent advice from the National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) on its assessment of an Exceptional Circumstances (EC) application for the Bundarra area of NSW. NRAC has recommended Exceptional Circumstances assistance should not be extended for the proposed area.  For more information on Exceptional Circumstances, visit www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/drought/ec. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/march/government_accepts_independent_advice_on_bundarra_ec_application

Improving the welfare of animals in the live trade industry

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke has announced more funding to further improve animal welfare for live exports and support trade in overseas markets. Three new projects worth around $1 million in total will be funded under the Australian Government’s Live Trade Animal Welfare Partnership. The projects aim to improve post-arrival animal welfare by upgrading animal handling infrastructure and providing training to those involved in animal handling and transport in the Middle East and South East Asia. More information on the LTAWP is available at www.daff.gov.au/market-access-trade/iac/live-animal-trade. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/march/improving_the_welfare_of_animals_in_the_live_trade_industry

Import Risk Analysis for beef imports

Minister Burke has written to the Director of Quarantine requesting Biosecurity Australia do an Import Risk Analysis for fresh beef (chilled or frozen) from countries other than New Zealand. On 1 March 2010, the Australian Government withdrew the previous blanket ban on any beef imports from countries that had ever had a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).“Since the Government’s decision, there has been considerable community discussion about the methods which would be used to determine protocols for imports. I have formed a view that conducting an Import Risk Analysis is the best way of reassuring the Australian community that effective protocols will be put in place to provide for the safety of imports," Mr Burke said. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/march/import_risk_analysis_for_beef_imports

Support continues for Landcare facilitators

Guidelines have now been released for funding applications under the National Landcare Facilitator Network. Eligible organisations applying for funding must be engaged in natural resource management and promoting the uptake of sustainable farm and land management practices. Further information including guidelines and how to apply is available at www.nrm.gov.au/nrm/facilitators/index.html. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/march/rudd_govt_continues_to_support_landcare_facilitators

Recognising Australia’s rural women on International Women’s Day

The RIRDC Rural Women’s Award supports leadership on International Women’s Day. For nearly 100 years, International Women’s Day has celebrated the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. The RIRDC Rural Women’s Award also celebrates the achievements of rural women. For more than ten years, the award has recognised women’s contribution to primary industries, but more importantly, encouraged their greater leadership and capacity to contribute to primary industries and rural Australia. Read the RIRDC media release at http://www.rirdc.gov.au/news-&-events/news-display.cfm?article=3FD7CC55-EFB3-15DC-14E5-1C41E6E85F77 AND REPORTS

PUBLICATIONS

Evaluation of Anti-varroa Boards to Increase Honey Production in Australian Honeybees

This RIRDC report evaluates the benefits of using modified hive bottom boards in the absence of varroa mite in Australia. These modified bottom boards had been primarily developed to assist in management of varroa mite overseas, but there was some anecdotal evidence from Europe and USA that they might stimulate hive activity, particularly early in the season. The project also assessed whether modified bottom boards provided any benefits for reducing small hive beetle infestations in hives, as overseas reports were not definitive. Read the report on the RIRDC website at http://www.rirdc.gov.au

EVENTS

National Landcare Forum 2010

The National Landcare Forum will be held 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

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.