29 Sep 2017

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Biosecurity is undoubtedly the key issue for Queensland horticulture heading into the state election. We once again call on both sides of politics to make a clear commitment to significantly increase funding for our $2.7 billion plant industry to ensure the economic future of our state as a major agricultural powerhouse. The old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of c...
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28 Sep 2017

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The vocational education and training (VET) sector has an opportunity to play a larger role in Australia’s innovation agenda according to new research released today by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER). The report VET applied research: driving VET’s role in the innovation system has found that developing an ‘applied research’ capability in the VET sector cou...
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27 Sep 2017

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Queensland farmers are seeing their on-farm electricity use and energy bills reduced as a result of the Queensland Government funded Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) and Ergon Energy, Energy Savers Program. Over 60% of the 130 farms participating in the QFF Energy Savers program have or plan to implement part of the $3 million of annual energy cost savings identified in the energy e...
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26 Sep 2017

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The Australian Standard AS/NZS3000 (the Wiring Rules) is being updated and is due to be published early next year. The new edition will include changes to the requirements of recessed luminaries and pool area installations. In the new edition, the section on recessed luminaries has been rewritten to make it easier to understand. Recessed luminaries will have new classifications. For ex...
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25 Sep 2017

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The National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program (the Program) has commenced the final round of surveillance after one red imported fire ant nest was detected in Beerwah on Wednesday 28 June 2017. Program officers are surveying high risk areas out to a 1 km zone including parks, paddocks, and school ovals. Following as a final measure, the Program will conduct surveillance with th...
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23 Sep 2017

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What is Dickeya dianthicola? Dickeya dianthicola causes soft rot and blackleg in potatoes. It is a serious pest (bacterium) that was not previously known to occur in Australia. Overseas data has indicated significant yield losses in potato crops. Dickeya dianthicola can also infect other crops, including some ornamentals (including carnation, lily, chrysanthemum, dahlia, begonia, flamin...
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20 Sep 2017

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With on-farm biosecurity in the spotlight over the past few months, much has been made of what is ‘required’ in order for a producer to meet their biosecurity obligations. While many producers still have questions, the take-home message is simple: you have to make your biosecurity plan work for you. The important point to remember is that your biosecurity plan is a risk assessment. Comp...
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19 Sep 2017

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November 21 is the National Agriculture and Related Industries Day (AgDay). This celebration is the brainchild of Mrs Gina Rinehart and is being supported in its development by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and the Federal Department of Agriculture & Water Resources (DAWR). The event is launched in Canberra last September 4 by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agri...
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15 Sep 2017

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Grants of up to $100,000 are now available for Queensland food producers looking to break into new overseas markets or boost their  export earnings. Agriculture and Regional Economic Development Minister Bill Byrne said the grants were part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to stimulate jobs and economic growth in rural and regional areas. “These grants are part of the $1.3 mil...
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14 Sep 2017

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This article was featured in abc.net.au Citrus growers around Australia are experiencing a boom, with demand and prices predicted to beat records for the third year running. As the industry hits peak harvest and the middle of its export season, industry professionals are discovering there is not enough fruit to meet the global demand. Sales manager for Mildura Fruit Company, Australia's...
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