PORTFOLIO NEWS
Australia to continue importing horses from approved countries

Horses from Japan will soon be able to be imported to Australia subject to stringent biosecurity measures for the first time since the 2007 equine influenza (EI) outbreak. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke welcomed the decision made by Biosecurity Australia which followed the completion of an Import Risk Analysis. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/march/australia_to_continue_importing_horses_from_approved_countries

Moving forward with Landcare

Minister Burke has commended the Landcare community’s hard work and commitment in protecting and restoring Australia’s environment and improving the landscape for farmers. Opening the 2010 National Landcare Forum in Adelaide this week, Minister Burke said all those volunteers involved in Landcare over the past two decades should be proud of their efforts and enthusiastic for the next phase. For further information, see www.nationallandcareforum.com.au or www.nrm.gov.au. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/march/moving_forward_with_landcare

Breakthrough to strengthen Australian citrus exports

In a major boost for Australia’s $190 million citrus export industry, the European Union (EU) has recognised mainland Australia as free from citrus canker. The decision means citrus exported from Australia to the EU no longer requires costly disinfectant treatment for the disease. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/march/breakthrough_to_strengthen_australian_citrus_exports

Supporting women and young people in agriculture

The Australian Government is continuing its support for women and young people in rural and regional areas with funding of more than $1.5 million under the Recognising Women Farmers and Next Gen Farmers grants. For a list of successful applicants visit www.daff.gov.au/farmingfuture. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/march/rudd_government_supporting_women_and_young_people_in_agriculture

Australia and Indonesia expand efforts to combat illegal logging

Australia and Indonesia have further strengthened their commitment to combat illegal logging and securing the sustainable use of forest resources. In a meeting in Canberra, Minister Burke and Indonesia's Minister for Forestry Mr Zulkifli Hasan agreed to develop a memorandum of understanding to combat illegal logging. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/march/australia_and_indonesia_expand_efforts_to_combat_illegal_logging

Bundarra Exceptional Circumstances update

Minister Burke has welcomed the NSW Government decision to submit a revised application for Exceptional Circumstances (EC) assistance in the Bundarra region. More information on EC assistance can be found at www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/drought/ec. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/march/bundarra_exceptional_circumstances_update AND REPORTS

PUBLICATIONS

Sustainable forest management strengthened in the Asia-Pacific

Under the first phase of the Asia-Pacific Forestry Skills and Capacity Building program, the Australian Government invested $2.3 million in 15 forestry projects in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Fiji and the Solomon Islands. A report describing the outcomes from phase one of the program, Making headway with sustainable forest management to help combat climate change, is now available on the DAFF website at http://www.daff.gov.au/forestry/international Albany, WA Regional Outlook conference is on 28 April

EVENTS

ABARE’s Albany, WA Regional Outlook conference is on 28 April

The first of ABARE’s Regional Outlook conferences for 2010 opens in Albany, WA on 28 April, with a full program of speakers discussing key local issues including opportunities for agriculture, working with the environment, climate trends and the economic outlook.

Discover more at www.abare.gov.au/regional for registration information and to download the program, or contact Angela Ellerman on 02 6272 2303 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .'; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text313 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and mouth disease experts to meet in Melbourne—FMD 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.