Highlights and challenges
Other format
This information is also available in the following format:
- Highlights and challenges
PDF [88kb]
Highlights in 2010–11
Western Australian pilot of drought reform measures—implemented a pilot of reform measures designed to move farmers from crisis management to risk management. The pilot has now been extended for a second year and will cover some 96 per cent of farmers in the south-west of the state.
Market access—achieved new, restored or improved market access for 15 commodities and maintained market access for nine commodities. Producers and exporters will benefit from better market access for cherries, citrus, macadamia nuts, queen honey bees, summerfruit and table grapes among other commodities.
National Food Plan—took the first step towards a national plan for protecting Australia’s food security and maximising food production opportunities. We released an issues paper to initiate wide public consultation on integrating food-related policy—from paddock to plate.
Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy—marked 21 years of outstanding service in delivering animal and plant health surveillance along Australia’s northern coastline and neighbouring countries to detect early signs of new pests or disease.
Biosecurity reform—moved towards a smarter biosecurity system that will better safeguard Australia’s primary industries’ production base, the environment and trade into the future. We continued work on a new legislative foundation to replace that put in place over a century ago and on our transition from full intervention to a risk-return approach.
Comcover recognition of risk management—came first out of 134 agencies in Comcover’s 2011 risk benchmarking survey and won the 2010 national Comcover award for excellence in risk management for successfully implementing the Sea Cargo Risk Management Policy.
Inaugural G20 agriculture ministers meeting—Australia played a key role in shaping the agenda for the meeting, which agreed on an action plan to address the causes and impacts of agricultural price volatility and the factors affecting global food security, and committed to increasing agricultural productivity. We helped advance a work program aimed at addressing some of these issues affecting the world’s most vulnerable populations.
European Community wine agreement—implemented the Agreement between Australia and the European Community on Trade in Wine, which guarantees and improves access for Australian wine producers to the European market.
Carbon Farming Initiative—began implementing the government’s $45.6 million initiative, which will help landholders earn income by reducing or sequestering agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. Enabling legislation was developed and introduced into parliament in March 2011 (and subsequently passed on 23 August 2011).
Regulatory reform for agricultural and veterinary chemicals—advanced major national regulatory reforms. The reforms will promote more timely access to affordable agricultural and veterinary chemicals and more effective protection of public health, worker safety, the environment and trade.
Rural research and development—moved towards more strategic investment in rural research and development (R&D). We contributed to the government’s review of the R&D system and to the national strategic investment plan released by the Rural Research and Development Council. Policy and strategies to achieve the best possible results for industry and the community will be a continuing focus.
Challenges for the year ahead
Animal welfare—events in 2010–11 have highlighted the complexity of animal welfare issues and the depth of concern within the community. The Australian Animal Welfare Strategy, coordinated by the department on behalf of stakeholders, will reflect priorities of the Australian, state and territory governments for improving animal welfare outcomes in Australia. Development and implementation of a new regulatory framework for Australia’s live animal export trade, including independently audited supply chains, is a high priority and one which will assure the community that appropriate levels of animal welfare are maintained in all markets receiving Australian animals.
National drought policy reform—helping farmers better adapt and adjust to the impacts of drought, increased climate variability and reduced water availability will continue to be a significant priority. Review of the Western Australian pilot of drought reform measures will assist the government’s consideration of national drought policy reform. We will support the government in working with the states and territories to develop new national drought preparedness policies and programs.
Biosecurity reform—we will continue the transition to a fully integrated risk-based approach to managing biosecurity risk at each point along the continuum—offshore, at the border and onshore—to achieve the most efficient and effective use of our resources. The move will be intelligence-led and evidence-based, and will be supported by the strong partnerships we are building with governments and industries.
Export certification reform—the implementation of revised service delivery arrangements and new fee structures to support them is a challenge for several export industries. We will continue to work with those industries to finalise these important initiatives.
Agricultural and veterinary chemical regulation reform—we will work with the states and territories, and with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, to address the complex policy issues involved in completing the broad program of regulatory reform. This will include extensive consultation with the diverse stakeholders with an interest in the assessment, registration and use of these chemicals.
Previous page - Snapshot of agriculture, fisheries and forestry | DAFF Annual Report Contents | Next page - Letter of transmittal