Australian truffle production could grow by as much as 10 times its current level by 2013, but market development and further research will be needed to ensure the industry has a long-term future.These are some of the conclusions of a stocktake of the industry to be presented this weekend by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) at a meeting of the Australian Truffle Growers Association in Victoria. The research established that production is likely to grow from 800 kg... ...Read more »

The USA and China have recently applied to export apples and stonefruit into Australia. Biosecurity Australia has now begun their risk assessment into the products to determine whether or not they will allow the two countries to import the products to Australia. Local growers have made clear their concern that allowing the imports will result in new pests and diseases being brought into the country. Furthermore, the impact of new competition on farmers could be substantial in some cases and cost... ...Read more »

Health authorities have confirmed Pitts Poultry is at fault for a recent salmonella outbreak but no conclusions have yet been made with regard to how the eggs were contaminated. The salmonella outbreak last month affected more than 100 people, and was traced to raw egg products used by a caterer. This latest concern means that Pitts Poultry have been linked to an outbreak of salmonella seven times in the last four years. However, Biosecurity Australia believes that the processes now in place at... ...Read more »