DAFFnews - Issue 171

9 March 2012

Contents

• Outlook success
• Australia welcomes new agriculture agreement with India
• Swarm of honey bees stopped at sea
• Supporting young Australian researchers
• Australia's biosecurity system: improvements since Beale
• Celebrating the role of women in agriculture
• Grants to improve welfare standards in live animal export supply chains

Outlook success

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has reported its forecasts for Australia’s agricultural commodities over the short to medium term (to 2016-17) at Outlook, Australia’s premier annual agricultural forecasting event over 6-7 March.

ABARES Executive Director, Paul Morris, said the conference coincided with the release of the latest Agricultural Commodities report, which contains the bureau’s forecasts for the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors over the next five years. “Agricultural Commodities shows that overall, the prospects for the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors are positive,” Mr Morris said. “Assuming that favourable seasonal conditions continue, earnings from farm exports are forecast to be around $35.1 billion in 2012-13, after an estimated rise of 9.4 per cent to $35.5 billion in 2011-12.”

For more information about speakers and conference sessions, or to see papers from the presentations, visit the Outlook 2012 website.

Australia welcomes new agriculture agreement

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, has welcomed a newly signed agreement between Australia and India to support long-term cooperation in the agriculture sector.

Minister Ludwig has met with India’s Minister for Agriculture and Minister of Food Processing to discuss the agricultural relationship, approach to drought, climate change, biosecurity reform and broader global issues, such as food security.

During their meeting, the Ministers signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)— the India-Australia Memorandum of Understanding for Establishing a Joint Working Group for Cooperation in the field of Agriculture and Allied Sectors.

The MoU will establish a Joint Working Group with the aim of improving food security and productivity in the agriculture sector India is Australia’s biggest export market for pulses and almonds. In 2010-11, the value of Australian pulses and almonds to India was $121 million $37 million respectively.

Swarm of honey bees stopped at sea

A swarm of Asian honey bees has been detected and destroyed on a vessel bound for Darwin.

Prior to the arrival of the vessel in Australia, DAFF was alerted that the crew had found and treated a bee swarm attached to a shipping container leaving Benete Bay, Indonesia.

DAFF Biosecurity officers met the vessel on arrival to ensure the bees and hive had been properly removed and destroyed.

Biosecurity Operations Division, First Assistant Secretary, Tim Chapman, praised the compliance and swift action of the Captain and his crew.

Mr Chapman said the quick response illustrated the importance of the role of industry and government working together to manage risks to Australia’s biosecurity.

Supporting young Australian researchers

Minister Ludwig has congratulated the winners of the 2012 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and the Australian Biosecurity Awards.

Minister Ludwig said fostering young scientists will ensure Australia continues to have dynamic and responsive primary industries.

“Research and development is vital to advancing Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors and positioning them for a strong future,” Minister Ludwig said.

Dr Cedric Simon was awarded top honours in the 2012 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for his project on rock lobsters, while 11 others were also recognised.

The Australian Biosecurity Awards recognised those who have made a significant contribution towards the nation’s biosecurity, including former Agforce Cattle President, Peter Kenny, who was posthumously awarded the Biosecurity Lifetime Achievement Award.

For more information visit http://www.daff.gov.au/abares.

Australia’s biosecurity system: improvements since Beale

Minister Ludwig has welcomed a report on the progress of Australian Government reforms to Australia’s biosecurity system.

The Reform of Australia’s Biosecurity System report details the work being done to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity system since the 2008 Beale Review.

Minister Ludwig said the reforms were delivering a modern and responsive system that facilitates trade and manages biosecurity risks.

The next challenge will be replacing the century-old Quarantine Act with modern legislation, which will require the goodwill of the Australian Parliament.

See the Reform of Australia’s Biosecurity System report for more information.

Celebrating the role of women in agriculture

Minister Ludwig has recognised the role of women in rural communities and agricultural businesses as part of International Women’s Day, 8 March 2012.
Minister Ludwig said women are key to the productivity and sustainability of Australia’s primary industries.

“Women make an important contribution to the innovation, quality and competitiveness Australia’s agriculture sector is famous for,” Minister Ludwig said.

“As well, many contribute indirectly through their support in rural families and communities.”

Minister Ludwig said Australia’s outstanding female rural leaders are also recognised each year through a RIRDC Rural Women’s Award.

Further information on the RIRDC Rural Women’s Awards.

Grants to improve welfare standards in live animal export supply chains

Minister Ludwig is encouraging Australian businesses involved in the live animal export trade to apply for Government grants to support improved welfare standards in their supply chains.

The Australian Government is providing $5 million through the Approved Supply Chain Improvements Program, which opened for applications this week, to encourage industry investment in supply chains in live animal export markets.

“This program will assist Australia’s livestock export industry to meet the requirements of the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System which is central to the Government’s new regulatory framework for the livestock export trade,” Minister Ludwig said.

“It will also fund eligible infrastructure upgrades and training and help Australian exporters develop exporter supply chain systems that meet the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) animal welfare standards.

Applications will remain open until 30 April 2013 or until funds are fully allocated.

For further information please visit the DAFF website.