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DAFF News, 16th December 2011 |
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DAFF News
December 2011
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Contents
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New Parliamentary Secretary announced
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The Hon. Sid Sidebottom MP has been appointed as Parliamentary Secretary, replacing the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM, MP Member for Eden-Monaro.
The move was announced on 12 December by Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard MP as part of broader changes to the ministry and the cabinet.
Mr Sidebottom served as a Parliamentary Secretary to the Shadow Minister for Primary Industries from 2001 to 2003 and Parliamentary Secretary to the Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries from 2003 to 2004.
Senator, the Hon. Joe Ludwig, will remain in his role as the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Full details on changes to the ministry are available on the Prime Minister’s website.
To view the latest media releases from the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry visit the Minister's website.
To view DAFF's latest media releases visit our website.
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Farm export earnings to grow
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Australia’s farm export earnings are forecast to rise in 2011–12, despite an expected slowdown in world economic growth, according to the ABARES report: Agricultural Commodities – December quarter 2011.
In total, the value of Australian agricultural, fisheries and forestry exports is forecast to reach $38.4 billion in 2011–12, an increase of around 6 per cent from $36.1 billion in 2010–11.
ABARES acting Deputy Executive Director, Dr Terry Sheales, said the value of farm exports will rise by around 6 per cent to $34.5 billion in 2011–12. Other commodities expected to rise in value include wheat, barley, canola, rice, raw cotton, sugar, beef and veal and sheep meat.
The report can be downloaded from the DAFF website:'ABARES publications'.
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Biochar may improve agricultural productivity
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A report released by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), reveals biochar could help improve agricultural productivity and assist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The report, titled ‘Biochar—Implications for agricultural productivity’, examines the potential applications, benefits and risks of biochar as well as the research required to determine its productivity and sustainability potential.
ABARES acting Deputy Executive Director, Dr Kim Ritman, said the report highlights the importance of further biochar research for Australian farming.
View the ‘Biochar — Implications for agricultural productivity’ report on the DAFF website.
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Minister visits Japan
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Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, has expressed Australia’s support and admiration for Japanese farmers affected by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami during a trade visit to Japan.
Minister Ludwig said Australia and Japan’s bilateral relationship is strong.
“Australia was touched by the outpouring of sympathy from Japan following the January floods in Queensland this year,” Minister Ludwig said.
“Three months later, Australians were shocked by the events in March in Japan and rallied to support the victims of the disaster.”
Minister Ludwig saw the effects of the tsunami firsthand when visiting farms in the Tohoku region where he joined the Australian cattle industry to deliver fodder for affected livestock farmers.
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Three caught out for biosecurity breaches
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Three Queenslanders have been prosecuted for breaking Australia’s biosecurity laws.
One case involved a 61-year-old man who was fined $7000 for arranging for plants to be imported illegally into Australia.
Biosecurity North East Regional Manager, Colin Hunter, said introduced plant species could
cause significant damage to native plants and animals.
“Biosecurity breaches are taken seriously; all food, plant material and animal products must be declared"
Information on incoming passenger declarations and penalties is available on the DAFF website: 'Travel information'.
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Personal Property Securities (PPS) reform may affect your business
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From 30 January 2012, PPS laws will change, streamlining processes for farmers to borrow against crops, livestock, agricultural products and other assets (other than land).
A new national PPS Register will replace various existing Commonwealth, State, and Territory registers enabling people to search or register security interests in assets. Information from existing registers, such as registers of stock and crop mortgages and ASIC’s Register of Company Charges will be migrated to the PPS Register.
Financiers will have increased protection over their interests which have the potential to open the market to farmers to obtain finance. ‘Retention of title’ arrangements (also known as Romalpa clauses) where farmers supply produce and retain ownership of it until they are paid are likely to create security interests under PPS reform.
Farmers will no longer be able to rely on their title or ownership of the produce in the event of a default or liquidation. Farmers should seek professional advice whether they should record interests on the PPS Register.
For more information visit www.ppsr.gov.au or call 1300 007 777.
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DAFF News will be taking a short break over the festive season and will be returning in January 2012. We hope you have a happy and safe Christmas.
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