Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke has begun his WA tour and plans to discuss the future of GM food production in Australia with key members of the WA State Government. The decision to discuss GM foods with the WA Government comes following concerns raised by WA Premier Alan Carpenter last month. Mr Carpenter called for compulsory labelling of foods that contain Genetically Modified (GM) ingredients and an immediate halt to the approval of all GM foods in Australia until more is known about... ...Read more »
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has called on Melburnians to support tomorrow’s “Plug the Pipe” Rally claiming that any threat to irrigated agriculture would result in higher food prices at city checkouts. VFF President Simon Ramsay said that support from city people would be critical to the success of the rally, which is due to have a demonstration on the steps of parliament by about 12:30pm. Mr Ramsay was strong in his belief that the current high grocery prices... ...Read more »
Australian wine grape production is forecast to increase by 19 per cent to 1.67 million tonnes in 2007-08, as a result of improved growing conditions in key production areas, according to a new ABARE report - ‘Australian Wine Grape Production Projections to 2009-10′. “Forecast production in 2007-08 is higher than early-season estimates because of greater than expected resilience of vines suffering from drought stress, and water purchasing by growers in drought-affected... ...Read more »
Predictions of a record Australian wheat crop have been hit by drought in the grain belt of NSW. Despite this, record planting levels are set to become a reality with strong harvests dependant upon some wet weather in the coming months. The NSW Government have released their latest drought figures, which indicate 48.4% of the state is now in drought as opposed to 42.9% in March. The NSW DPI has now predicted planting of about 3.4 hectares of wheat with those figures reliant on “good... ...Read more »
Industry participants from the citrus supply chain, from growers to retailers, have recently discussed prospects for the upcoming citrus season at national forums facilitated by Australian Citrus Growers Inc (ACG). Despite the tough conditions created by the ongoing drought and low water allocations faced by many Australian citrus growers, consumers can expect high quality, great eating Australian Navel oranges and mandarins this autumn/winter. Australia’s favourite mandarin variety,... ...Read more »
It is expected that the citrus crop will be lower this season due to the drought. Growers in NSW and Queensland are still expected to have an average crop size due to recent rains, however the Murray Valley area in Victoria and the Riverland region of South Australia haven’t been so fortunate, with an expectation that the amount of fruit produced will be about 25% below average. The price of citrus fruit could therefore be expected to rise Read More →