DAFFnews - Issue 175

10 April 2012

Government supports farmers to have their say

Australian farmers have been given a substantial boost by the Australian Government as they help shape the future of agriculture policy. 

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, has announced a contribution of $150,000 towards the National Farmers' Federation's Blueprint for Australian Agriculture to assist the NFF to gather the views of farmers and rural communities with a strong focus on women and young people in agriculture.

Minister Ludwig attended last week's blueprint forum in Wagga Wagga and said it was a great opportunity for farmers and rural communities to provide input on key issues and challenges facing the industry and regional communities now and into the future.

"The NFF is in the process of conducting workshops with all industry stakeholders, with the aim of developing the blueprint," Minister Ludwig said. Blueprint forums have already been held in Rockhampton, Toowoomba, Perth, Darwin and Wagga Wagga. The next forum will be held in Shepparton, Victoria on 18 April followed by Adelaide on 2 May. A forum will also be held in Tasmania.

Australia's food sector dishing up strong results

The total value of Australian farm and fisheries food production increased by 17 per cent in 2010–11, Australian Food Statistics 2010–11 has revealed.

Minister Ludwig launched the report last week and said it is a comprehensive look at the industry with some positive results.

"This report shows that production has increased, but also that employment in the food industry now accounts for 15 per cent of total employment in Australia," Minister Ludwig said.

"I am pleased to reveal that in 2010–11, more than 1.68 million people from production through to food service were employed in the food business, contributing to one of our most resilient and profitable industries."

The Australian Government is committed to maintaining a sustainable, globally competitive and resilient food supply by working with industry to address potential gaps or vulnerabilities in the food chain safety and security system.

The how to guide for Carbon Farming

The Carbon Farming Initiative is explained from start to finish in the CFI Handbook released this week.

The handbook outlines how the CFI works, who administers it, who can participate and how to get involved. It answers the questions many people have, and maps out the steps to take to make the most of the opportunities the CFI presents for our farmers.

Minister  Ludwig said one of the best ways for farmers to manage the risks posed by climate change is to take advantage of the CFI.

"Agriculture in Australia is headed toward a period of real opportunity, but that stands challenged by climate change and the uncertainty it presents to our production into the future," he said.

"The CFI is a win–win for our farmers – it opens up new revenue streams and helps deal with the impacts of a changing climate and build resilience in the land sector.

Hear it straight from the Secretary

You will now be able to hear about DAFF strategic directions, priorities and achievements straight from the Secretary. A new webpage will feature a regular update, plus speeches and statements from Dr Conall O'Connell.

Following on from the refresh of our websites in January, the Secretary's website

presence is another way in which we're changing the way we communicate about who we are and what we do.

The Secretary's first update explains the three part DAFF mission and provides a report on recent activities, including new publications and rollout of the DAFF identity.

You'll also find the Secretary's opening address to the National Biosecurity Roundtable about the changes we're making to way we manage Australia's biosecurity system and the changing role of industry.

To provide feedback and share your views with the Secretary follow the 'contact the secretary' link on the new page.

Last reviewed:
06 Jun 2012
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