Australian farmers’ capacity to boost global food security has topped the agenda in talks between the UN food agency chief and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke. Mr Burke and United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Director-General Dr Jacques Diouf met in Canberra on Wednesday. “Australia’s advanced agriculture sector and our position as a major agricultural exporter give us a box seat to be part of the solution to the food... ...Read more »
A consumer survey conducted by Organic Guide at Sydney’s Organic Expo has found that the reasons for choosing organic over conventional products has changed significantly to include climate change. A leading organic expert from the UK also suggested that consumer loyalty was stronger in the organic sector, which means they are prepared to pay more for organic goods. “Organic farming, with its emphasis on closed nutrient cycles, biodiversity, and effective soil management, has the capacity... ...Read more »
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 first official Australian organic data in four years has been launched today by Biological Farmers of Australia revealing that the organic industry is potentially as resilient in drought as its products claim to be healthy for consumers. Independently researched by the University of New England’s Organic Research Group, and commissioned by the Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA), the Australian Organic Market Report (AOMR) is based on industry-wide survey data and builds upon research... ...Read more »
The Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin yesterday said he was delighted with the announcement of the proposed merger of Proserpine Co-operative and the newly formed Mackay Sugar Limited. The merger between the two sugar producers is not yet finalised but is appears likely as both companies look to consolidate during a time that has seen a loss of good agricultural land. “The increased tonnages that the proposed merger provides will enable us to achieve those design efficiencies,” Lou... ...Read more »
A tour of apple orchards in France and England has led to the discovery of 15 ‘new’ cider apple varieties in Australia.NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) technical officer, David Pickering, said the study tour was supported by Horticulture Australia Ltd to confirm the identity of what appeared to be cider apple varieties in Australian collections. “I had to visit the countries where the apples originated to positively identify the varieties which were growing here and confirm... ...Read more »
The Rudd Government has passed legislation to overhaul the bulk wheat export marketing system.The reform honours an election commitment, giving Australian wheat growers the right to choose who exports their produce for the first time in 60 years. The House of Representatives today accepted the amended Bill passed by the Senate last week, clearing the way for the new bulk wheat export marketing system to be in place by 1 July 2008. The reformed system is designed to provide new opportunities for growers... ...Read more »
Food manufacturers will soon have access to a new CSIRO-bred barley variety, which reportedly has significant human health benefits. A licence agreement between the CSIRO/Australian Capital Ventures Limited joint venture and Austgrains Pty Ltd is set to enable the production of large scale commercial crops of ‘BARLEYmax’, which has been created by CSIRO using “conventional plant breeding techniques”. Dr Bruce Lee, Director of the CSIRO Food Futures Flagship, indicates that... ...Read more »
While conditions across the Australian grains belt have been variable, a forecast increase in the area planted provides optimism regarding winter grains production in 2008-09, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE). ABARE’s June issue of the Australian Crop Report indicates a good season could be possible - vital given the recent difficult years and current skyrocketing food prices. “Although substantial areas have been dry sown, the... ...Read more »
As the world struggles with escalating wheat, rice and dairy costs it now appears Australian fresh fruit and vegetable prices are set to rise as well. Chief Executive Officer of Growcom, Jan Davis, claims that fertiliser and chemical prices now comprise between 11 per cent and 14 per cent of total farm input costs with the recent dramatic increase in prices blamed on a lack of fertiliser suppliers. “Growers are concerned that limited competition in the fertiliser supply industry is creating... ...Read more »