Asian Foods Agroforestry & Farm Forestry Deer Essential Oils & Plant Extracts Organic Produce Rare Natural Animal Fibres Tea Tree Oil Wildflowers & Native Plants

Sub-Program 2.1: Asian Foods

Background

Asian vegetables are mainly grown for domestic consumption, with production concentrated on the outskirts of the main state capital cities — Sydney, Melbourne — and the Sunshine Coast. There is, however, a small growing export sector, historically exporting Chinese cabbage to Asian markets but evolving to exporting a wider range of high quality vegetables.

The market for Australian-grown Asian vegetables in many Asian countries is potentially large. For instance, Japan imports $2.3 billion of fresh, frozen, preserved and dehydrated vegetables each year.

Opportunities for Asian food arise out of:
 

• The rapidly growing markets in Asia for high quality food products as incomes in this region rise;

• The increasing Asian influence on cuisine in Australia; and

• Australian producers’ ability to undertake high quality volume production and their ability to find niches that give them a competitive advantage to supply these markets.

Foods other than vegetables, particularly processed foods, are popular and opportunities include sauces, ready-made meals, and possibly snacks.

There is no coordinated proactive market development by the Australian industry. Conservative estimates are that, with appropriate research and development, the current value of the Australian industry will double within three years. Increasing attention to industry development can be expected in the future.

This program now has a new five year plan developed in close consultation with Australian producers, processors, marketers and researchers following extensive review.

Key sub-program strategies

Industry development
 

• Support industry development through improved information, communication and development of supply chain and marketer networks; and

• Develop new products with good market opportunities.

Production systems
 

• Provide troubleshooting solutions and enhance quality and productivity through research in production systems and plant physiology; and

• Ensure chemical use is safe for workers and consumers.

Post-harvest treatment and handling
 

• Increase shelf life of fresh and semi-processed products; and

• Improve cool chain management.

Strategies for 2000-2001
 

• Develop information transfer activities that assess techniques for communicating with non-English speaking producers of Asian vegetables, particularly regarding the issue of chemical usage.

• Encourage industry growth by promoting successful approaches to supply chain development and supply chain marketing network investigation.

• Investigate industry development for Asian vegetables in North Queensland and further development of Asian root vegetables.

• Promote awareness of new five year research and development plan in industry and the research community.

Expected key outputs in 2000–2001
 

• Completion of further work on improved management practices for culinary bamboo shoots.

• Further development of a country-wide production strategy for the supply of export markets with a range of Asian vegetables.

• Production and distribution of the Asian Foods (2 issues) and Asian Vegetables (10 issues) newsletters to over 700 people.

• A range of news articles that promote the new production guides.

• Support for industry field days and workshops to promote the output of completed and ongoing projects.

• Articles included in R&D publications and links established between Asian food websites and RIRDC’s website.

Expected key outcomes in 2000–2001
 

• A larger range of better quality leafy Asian vegetables available to Australian consumers and increased exports of these products.

• Improved information available to existing and potential growers of a wider range of Asian fresh and processed vegetables, which has increased the range of production options for the rural sector.

• R&D strategies more closely aligned to industry needs.

This sub-program has its own Five Year Plan which is accessible in hardcopy and on the Internet at www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/asianfd5yr.htm
 

Sub-Program 2.1: Asian Foods — new projects being funded in 2000–2001

Project No.		Title	Researcher	Phone
AFO000-05		Outcomes and Market Development Strategies, Processed Asian Food Projects	Mr Suku Bhaskaran	03 9248 1053
AFO000-08		Industry Development for Asian Vegetables in North Queensland	Mr Kynan Gooding	07 4783 2355
AFO000-09		Asian Foods Newsletter	Ms Mandy Chew	03 9210 9222
AFO000-03/10	*	Development of Asian Root Vegetables, Including Taro	Prof David Midmore & Dr Vong Nguyen	02 4930 9770 02 4348 1927

Note: An asterisk (*) indicates that the Corporation is still to finalise amendments to the project in terms of, for example, a lower budget or project design.

Achievements in 1999–2000
 

• Completed a review of the Asian Foods program.

• Held a workshop of industry and research stakeholders and developed a five year research and development plan for the Asian Foods Sub-program.

• Produced a report showing how better post-harvest handling of specialty mushrooms can add value and increase shelf life.

• Reported on case studies evaluating the commercial viability of Asian vegetables export opportunities.

• Publication of a report on Australian growing, postharvest and processing procedures for oriental chilli.

• Further publication of the Asian Food and Asian Vegetables newsletters.

Objective: To integrate sustainable and productive agroforestry within Australian farming systems

Background

Agroforestry has the potential to improve agricultural productivity, diversify and increase farm income, conserve land, maintain biodiversity and contribute to the national timber supply. Given appropriate research development and extension, agroforestry could become a widespread, profitable and sustainable system of land use.

The Joint Venture Agroforestry Program was established in 1993 with three partners: RIRDC, the Land and Water Resources Research and Development Corporation and the Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Corporation.

Funding was also provided for some activities by the Murray Darling Basin Commission, the Grains Research and Development Corporation and the Department of Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries, Australia.

The priorities for the program were revised in 1998 following new developments in funding sources and a mid-term review conducted by AACM International.

In February 1998 the Minister for Primary Industries and Energy advised that $4 million, sourced from the Natural Heritage Trust, would be set aside for national farm forestry research and development and invited the Management Committee of the Joint Venture Agroforestry Program to determine a specific funding

A total of $2.5 million has been made available to assess new tree-crop products and industries with an emphasis on native species.

The aims of this component are to support the development of commercial farm forestry as an integral part of sustainable agricultural systems, enhance biodiversity and protect the natural resource base.

Of particular relevance will be areas where farm forestry uptake has so far been limited — for example, in mid-to-low rainfall areas. These funds are being managed by RIRDC.

A total of $1.5 million has been made available to focus on timber production and processing elements of the Farm Forestry Program and the sustainable management and use of private native forests and woodlands. These funds are being managed by the Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Corporation.

The Joint Venture Agroforestry Program has been a contributor to the Biomass Taskforce since 1997 and has managed it since 1998. This taskforce was established initially three years to foster and facilitate the development of biomass for energy, liquid fuels, and a chemical feedstock.

Key sub-program strategies
 

• Address targeted strategies for the implementation of farm forestry, focusing on identifying impediments and opportunities and improving information flows.

• Investigate how agroforestry can contribute to more sustainable management of natural resources — for example, soil, water, biodiversity.

• Seek to optimise the productivity of crops and pastures by assessing the effects of agroforestry on productivity of other agricultural enterprises

• Promote optimised direct returns from tree products through species development, including in medium and low rainfall areas, and investigate harvesting, processing and management systems.

• Develop cost-effective multipurpose agroforestry systems to meet commercial and environmental objectives, including farm forestry design options and decision-making tools.

• Develop effective communications.

Strategies for 2000–2001
 

• Continue to develop a planning framework for the development of Biomass as an energy resource.  Continue to support and manage the Biomass Taskforce and facilitate nationally coordinated R&D into the use of agroforestry and farm forestry systems for bioenergy production.

• Continue to support R&D into medium to low rainfall agroforestry systems.

• Support and facilitate R&D to investigate the impact of farm forestry on catchment yield and water quality.

• Facilitate projects to investigate potential cost sharing arrangements for agroforestry systems with an emphasis on medium to low rainfall areas.

• Commission a review of the R&D priorities for agroforestry and farm forestry systems in northern Australia.

Expected key outputs in 2000–2001
 

• Publication of Trees for Shelter; a guide using windbreaks on Australian Farms and the Farm Forestry Site Selection Manual.  These two publications will form part of the new guideline series developed in 1999-2000

• Publication of the Proceedings and Discussion Paper of the National Workshop on Plantations, Farm Forestry and Water.  These publications will provide valuable information on the current understanding of the relationship between plantation establishment and water quality and quantity.

• Ongoing refinement of guidelines to optimise the biodiversity values of agroforestry systems.  Publication of a series of case studies detailing examples of the biodiversity values of farm forestry systems.

• Publication of a report which investigates the potential for integrated mallee processing for carbon products, eucalyptus oil and electricity

• Completion of a review into the potential of fodder trees to contribute to agroforestry systems.

• Publication of the outcomes of a study into the socio-economic implications of the expansion of farm forestry.

• Dissemination of results from a scoping study to determine the potential threat of Mundulla Yellows to agroforestry systems in Australia.

• Increased availability of improved genetic material for medium to low rainfall areas of Australia.

• Completion of a study which is developing methods to estimate the productivity of forestry systems in south east Queensland.  The methods developed in this study may be used as a model for similar  work in other regions of Australia.

• The completion of the national review of farm forestry silviculture.  The study has complied the results of published and unpublished research relevant to farm forestry silvicultural practises.  The work will provide recommendations for farm forestry silvicultural activities and identify key areas for further R&D.

Expected key outcomes in 2000–2001
 

• Continue to increase farmer awareness of the means to achieve improved tree productivity and agricultural productivity through designs which optimise water balance benefits and windbreak shelter effects.

• Greater awareness of key agroforestry and farm forestry species for medium to low rainfall areas.  Increased availability of improved genetic material for medium to low rainfall agroforestry systems.

• Continued improvement in the management of native forests on farms for environmental and economic benefits.

• Greater awareness of the potential of agroforestry and farm forestry systems to provide biomass resources for energy production.

This sub-program has its own Five Year Plan which is accessible in hardcopy and on the Internet at www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/aft5yr.htm

Sub-Program 2.2: Agroforestry and Farm Forestry — new projects being funded
or under consideration in 2000–2001

Project		Title	Researcher	Phone
AFT00-02		Defining the product: Documenting log grades and specifications in Australia	Dr James Ryde	02 6249 4330
AFT00-04	*	Marketing successfully: Effective strategies for marketing farm forestry products	Mr Digby Race	02 6249 2737
AFT00-06	*	Farm Forestry working models of processing and marketing in lower rainfall areas	Mr Murray Goodman	07 4939 5685
AFT00-11		ANU Forestry Market Report	Dr U.N. Bhati	02 6249 3220
AFT00-63	*	Biomass energy production alternatives in Australia: status and costs and future opportunities for major technologies	Mr Colin Stucley	03 9888 6744
AFT00-25	*	An atlas of Australian biomass resources for sustainable energy production	Dr Ian Nuberg	08 8393 7729
AFT00-26	**	Development of commercial tree biomass systems integrated with agriculture for large scale production of energy and other products	Dr Hamish Cresswell	02 6246 5933
AFT00-62	**	Investigating the Integration of Rotational Woody Plantations with landcare for Generating New Rural Industries	Ms Margaret Hughes	08 9840 1032
AFT00-15	**	Assessment of carbon sequestration potential of tree plantings in saline catchments	Dr Nico Marcar	02 6281 8335
AFT00-27	**	Managing soil carbon in agroforestry systems to optimise carbon sequestration	Dr Annette Cowie	02 9872 6941
AFT00-22	**	Biodiversity Values of farm forestry in NSW	Dr Brad Law	02 9872 0111
AFT00-30	**	Improving saw-log recovery and sawn timber value in E. globulus and E. nitens plantations.	Dr Geoff Downes	03 6226 7962
AFT00-39	**	Tree selection for rapid growth - a new method	Dr Kelvin Montagu	02 9872 0146
AFT00-23	**	Phase farming with trees - field validation and extension	Dr Richard Harper	08 9334 0306
AFT00-49	**	Integrate, segregate or rotate trees with crops?	Mr Ted Lefroy	08 9380 2561
AFT00-07  And AFT00-19	**	Agroforestry Calculator II and Economics of agroforestry in median rainfall farming systems in NSW	Mr Ted Lefroy  and Ms Robyn Hean	08 9380 2561     02 6763 1285

Note: An asterisk (*) indicates that the Corporation is still to finalise amendments to the project in terms of, for example, a lower budget or project design.  **Projects under consideration pending finalisation of joint funding arrangements.

Achievements in 1999—2000

General
 

• Held a workshop to develop a framework for the development of Biomass as an energy resource.  A series of research projects which address strategic knowledge gaps in this area were developed.

• Developed a new guideline series to communicate outcomes of key research projects.  The guideline series will provide more quantitative information than the previously published Design Principles for Farm Forestry and include state of the art research results.

• Developed a series of research projects designed to investigate the impact of agroforestry and farm forestry systems on biodiversity.

Targeted strategies for implementation of farm forestry
 

• Implemented the Seed and information support for commercial farm forestry project which is jointly funded by the JVAP and the Commonwealth Farm Forestry Program.  The project provided advice to a wide range of individuals and farm forestry groups from every state and territory.

• Completed a review of farm forestry market information services.  The project identified target users, information to be provided, delivery methods, skills required, systems management and outlines an approach to the implementation of such a service.

• Published a quarterly ANU Forestry Market Report.  Publication of a short report containing the first 8 Market Reports.

• Published Practical farm forestry economics: whole farm case studies containing 10 case studies from around the country describing a range of agroforestry systems.  Each case study presents an economic analysis of each system and discusses the potential social and environmental implications.

• Commissioned a study to assess the socio-economic implications of the introduction of agroforestry systems to rural areas.

More sustainable management of natural resources
 

• Published a discussion paper which investigated whether and how biodiversity conservation objectives can be incorporated into commercial farm forestry developments.

• Published a report which reviewed the current knowledge of biophysical, and socio-economic processes associated with agroforestry systems.  This can be used as a basis to determine methods to evaluate the effectiveness of vegetation management programs.

• Published preliminary guidelines to optimise biodiversity values when designing large softwood plantations.

• Completed a pilot study to evaluate the potential for trees to be established on non-arable land to replace weeds.

Optimised productivity of crops and pasture
 

• Published a report that assesses the interaction between E. globulus alley systems and pasture production.

Optimised direct returns from tree products
 

• Published the proceedings of the National farm tree improvement program workshop.

• Completed a review which identified the opportunities for growing conifers in low rainfall areas of Australia including preliminary analysis of the potential economic and social benefits generated by these forestry systems in low rainfall areas.

• Ongoing development of physiologically based growth and yield models to make them more applicable to a wide range of agroforestry systems.

• Completed and published a report detailing the evaluation of a novel nutrient system for improved growth of tropical cabinet timers.

• Published a report containing new models describing the correlations between tree growth rates and site parameters.  These models may be used in conjunction which economic models to undertake more sound evaluation of the potential economic returns from farm forestry activities.

Cost effective Multi-purpose Agroforestry Systems
 

• Supported the second phase of the Master TreeGrowers' program.

• Completed a guide for designing agroforestry and farm forestry systems to maximise the potential benefits to catchment health and optimise productivity.

• Developed a multi agency project to develop a decision support tool for farm forestry.

• Published Trees on Cotton Farms: a guide to assist cotton farmers decide how, when, where and why to plant trees.

Sub-Program 2.3: Deer 

Objective:   To foster an Australian deer industry as a profitable and efficient mainstream agricultural enterprise.

The Australian deer industry has an estimated gross value of production of around $5 million at the farm gate. The majority of the herd is in New South Wales and Victoria. There is expansion in Western Australia and Queensland, albeit from a small base. Fallow and Red deer make up more than 80 per cent of the national herd.

Australian annual venison production is around 1000 to 1500 tonnes, with around 90 per cent exported. Deer horn/velvet production has increased in recent years to an estimated 23–25 tonnes a year. The Australian Deer Horn and Co-Products Ltd continues to market the majority of the industry's production. The majority is exported but an increasing quantity is processed in Australia and New Zealand before being sold on international or domestic markets.

Effects of the Asian downturn were still apparent in the early months of 1999–2000. However, an improved European demand for venison saw prices increase toward the end of 1999 when peak prices (hot carcase weight less the industry levy) for prime carcase rose to over $3.00/kg. Although a seasonal softening in prices is expected in early 2000, observers suggest prices are likely to remain close to late 1999 levels or increase for the immediate future.

Data for the Australian Deer Horn and Co-Products Ltd show that average velvet antler prices in 1998–1999 rose by almost 65% (up about $15.00/kg to $36.50) above 1997–1998 prices. Average prices for the 1999–2000 season rose by almost 140% above 1998–1999 prices (from about $36.50/kg to $87.70). Observers of the international velvet antler markets suggest that prices may rise even further and will remain relatively high for at least two or three years. Demand has increased because of a reduction of stag numbers in New Zealand and relaxation of velvet import restrictions by Korea.

Key sub-program strategies
 

• Focus on increasing deer numbers by:

1. increasing adoption of available technologies that have the potential to increase returns to producers from improved product quality; and
2. increasing new interest in the industry from farmers of traditional livestock species.

• Continue to guide the R&D program from its new (2000–2005) five-year plan. This plan is still being finalised but will centre around:

–  increasing the size of the national herd;

– improving the per unit production of Australian herds;

– increasing adoption of known (nutrition) technologies;

– developing markets for processed deer antler;

– improving the average quality of venison and antler produced by the industry;

– developing specialist international and domestic markets for Australian venison;

– investigating non-chemical means of harvesting deer antler; and

– improving confidence in industry representative groups.

• Place particular emphasis on encouraging the adoption of research knowledge, particularly nutrition technologies, in an attempt to improve the international and domestic image of the quality of industry products and its ability to consistently supply them.

• Communicate research outcomes and market their adoption to the deer industry through strong relationships with key industry players and audiences, while maintaining the Corporation's high standards of accountability.

Strategies for 2000–2001
 

• Develop a specification and language for velvet antler.

• Link live assessment to marketable venison yield.

• Document health benefits and broad uses for velvet antler.

• Investigate non-chemical harvesting of velvet antler.

• Develop extension programs to encourage adoption of known technologies.

• Encourage processor/grower strategic alliance development.

• Expand the Industry Quality Assurance program.

• Encourage processors to adopt and use industry quality marks.

Expected key outputs in 2000–2001
 

• Further expansion of the industry farm and transport Quality Assurance programs.

• Development and expansion of the Industry's European market contract.

• Implementation of a venison and velvet Quality Assurance brand mark accreditation program.

Expected key outcomes in 2000–2001
 

• Improved average reproductive performance of Australian herds.

• Improvement in average quality of venison sold on all markets.

• Increased adoption of the industry Quality Assurance program by producers, transporters and processors.

• Expansion of the DIAA European market contract developed during 1999–2000.

This sub-program has its own Five Year Plan which is accessible in hardcopy and on the Internet at http://www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/deerrd1.html
 

Sub-Program 2.3: Deer — new projects to be funded in 2000–2001

Project No.		Title	Researcher	Phone
DEE00-05		Determining the tolerance of fallow and red deer to salt	Dr. Yingjun Ru	08 8303 7787

Achievements in 1999–2000
 

• Developed documentation required for registration of industry quality marks for venison and velvet antler.

• Produced new venison specifications and language manual.

• Continued reporting of venison market and price information.

• Negotiated a venison supply contract with a European partner.

• Developed a new five-year R&D plan for consideration by the industry.

• Continued expansion of the industry Quality Assurance program.

• Increased sale of venison trim into domestic markets.

• Identified niche Japanese markets for Australian venison.

Objective: To support the growth of a profitable and sustainable essential oils and natural plant extracts industry in Australia

There is growing interest in essential oils in Australia. The current value of production (excluding tea tree oil but including the refining of imported eucalyptus oils) is $6–7 million at the farm gate and $20–25 million wholesale/retail a year. The eucalypt and tea tree oil segments aside, the principal regions for essential oil production are Tasmania and Victoria.

Essential oils are largely used in the food flavouring and fragrance industries but their use in aromatherapy and other health care areas is growing.

The success of the pyrethrum, poppy, and hop industries, with a combined farm gate gross value of production of some $27 million, suggests that there are significant opportunities for producing plant extracts from both native and exotic species.

There is strong market demand for locally produced medicinal herbs. At present, only about one-third of the 250 tonnes used each year is supplied from Australia. Several native plants are used for the production of substances such as scopolamine, Esculin, Castanospermine and Methyl cinnamate within the fine chemicals sector.

Australia has a comparative advantage as a reliable supplier of clean, good quality, unique oils and extracts based on the use of high technology in both production and extraction. However they must meet well-defined quality parameters.

Key sub-program strategies
 

• Develop new and improved varieties and species for Australian conditions and international markets.

• Provide agronomic systems for the profitable and sustainable production of high-quality oils and extracts.

• Devise extraction technology to increase yields and/or secure specified product characteristics required by markets and registration authorities.

Strategies for 2000–2001
 

• Further extend the range of essential oils and plant extracts for which information is available on production, harvesting and post harvest handling.

• Sponsor industry–researcher workshops to help plan research and to support technology transfer.

Expected key outputs in 2000–2001
 

• Final reports on projects completed during the year, including reports on a commercially acceptable natural potato sprout suppressant from dill oil, production and handling of skullcap and development of production and harvesting systems for Echinacea augustifolia .

• The production of further issues of the Essential Oil Producers’ Association newsletter.

• Material for press releases and media articles concerning recently completed research.

Expected key outcomes in 2000–2001
 

• The adoption of measurement-based irrigation management procedures by peppermint growers in Victoria and Tasmania.

• Possibility of commercial production of spearmint in Australia.

• Improvements in the quality of boronia extracts.

Sub-Program 2.4: Essential Oils and Plant Extracts — new projects being funded in 2000–2001
 

Project No.		Title	Researcher	Phone
EOI00-02		Potential for IPM in Peppermint Growing in South East Australia	Mr Fred Bienvenu	03 5731 1222
EOI00-04	*	Optimisation of polysaccharides in processed echinacea purpurea products	Dr Douglas Stuart	02 4548 4124
MUL00-23	*	The Control of chalkbrood disease with natural products (eg. Essential Oils)	Dr Craig Davis	07 3406 8611
MUL00-25		Commercial Borage production for Oil and Gamma-linolenic Acid	Dr Rowland Laurence	03 6430 4901
MUL00-27	*	Preliminary evaluation of some medicinal herbs	Dr Rowland Laurence	03 6430 4901

Note: An asterisk (*) indicates that the Corporation is still to finalise amendments to the project in terms of, for example, a lower budget or project design.

Achievements in 1999–2000
 

• Completion of a report on market opportunities in North America for Australian essential oils and plant extracts.

• Publication of a report on improved management approaches to the production of peppermint oil with the objective of raising yields to more than 75-80kg/ha.

• Reported on aspects of the production of Tasmannia lanceolata as a new source of perfumes and flavourings.

• Initiated new work on boronia, parsley, chamomile and valerian.

• Provided support for researchers and industry members to attend national and international conferences.

• Published an industry-generated newsletter under the aegis of the Essential Oil Producers Association of Australia.

Research Manger: Denise Millar (organic produce)
Ph: (03) 9882 5910, fax: (02) 9882 5917
Mobile: 0419 599 294, Email: denise.millar@bigpond.com
Address: PO Box 4776, KINGSTON ACT 2604

Objective: To optimise the profitability of Australian organic production in domestic and overseas markets and to promote the utilisation of organic farming systems as a means of enhancing the sustainability of Australian agricultural systems.

Background

Consumers are increasingly aware of the quality and safety of the food and fabrics they consume. At the heart of this worldwide trend is a desire to consume products, especially foods, that are safe, produced from environmentally sustainable farming systems, and ethically and socially acceptable. In growing numbers, consumers are seeking organically grown products in response to this concern.

The Australian organic industry has around 1700 certified/registered members collectively marketing production estimated at the farm gate to be worth approximately $150 million a year.  Members come from all sectors of the value chain — growers, processors and manufacturers, retailers and consumers — across all States. Seven organisations are currently registered with the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) to inspect and certify organic farming and processing systems.

Rising domestic and overseas demand for Australian organic products is prompting a greater number of conventional farmers and processors to consider and adopt organic farming and processing systems. Typically the attraction is either improved market access and/or higher prices from niche markets, together with recognition by the marketplace of better and more sustainable farming practices.

Key sub-program strategies
 

• Address major strategies and targets published in the R&D Plan 1998–2003.

• Promote consistent and robust industry policy and R&D development.

• Increase awareness and adoption of organic farming systems in conventional agriculture.

• Undertake development activities that increase consumption of organic produce.

• Evaluate and develop export market opportunities jointly with industry.

• Coordinate and disseminate the results of new and existing R&D to all industry stakeholders.

Strategies for 2000–2001
 

• Future strategies for the sub-program will be aligned with the current Organic Produce R&D Plan. Projects under way and new projects funded in the annual R&D round from July 2000 will be supported through selected regional and/or state seminars run jointly with industry, research providers and governments.

Expected key outputs in 2000–2001
 

• A number of R&D projects jointly supported with agricultural commodity based research agencies (RDC’s, CSIRO).

• An inaugural national conference for the organic industry held jointly with the industry’s bodies.

• An outwardly focused training program to encourage greater awareness and adoption of organic farming systems and practices.

• Joint launch with industry of an organic web site and industry directory.

• Contributions to technical R&D sessions for an industry conference.

• An industry and market development and promotions program.

• Production and distribution of four quarterly newsletters to industry participants.

• Publication and marketing of four final reports.

• Publication and marketing of at least two short reports or industry training kits.

Expected key outcomes in 2000–2001
 

• Further collaboration with other RDC’s and agencies regarding joint organic/sustainable farming systems R&D projects.

• Agreement with other R&D Corporations and agencies that traditional levies paid by organic farmers to these bodies be identified, capture and quarantined for organic research and development projects.

• Stronger linkages with State Government agencies in projects to raise awareness of organic market opportunities and production systems.

• Increased awareness across industry of the Organic Federation of Australia and RIRDC’s Organic Produce Sub-Program.

• Active contribution to the development of an organic industry framework.

• Domestic marketing and labelling regulations. International equivalence with respect to imported organic product.

This sub-program has its own Five Year Plan which is accessible in hardcopy and on the Internet at www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/org5yr.htm

Sub-Program 2.5: Organic Produce — new projects being funded in 2000–2001

Project No.		Title	Researcher	Phone
ORP00-04	*	Impact of Voluntary Industry Codes of Environmental Practice on Organics	Dr. Barbara Geno	07 4930 6874
ORP00-12		Industry development for organic vegetables in North Queensland	Mr. Kynan Gooding	07 4783 2355
ORP00-29	*	HACCP and audit based training program - organic inspectors	Dr. Andrew Monk	0418 464350
ORP00-31	*	Decision support for organic conversion through interactive workshop activity	Ms. Vivianne Burnett	02 6030 4500
ORP00-33		1800 Phone links to provide Public face to Organic Industry	Mr. Chris Alenson	03 5968 3040
ORP00-34		Organic Production Workshop for NSW	Ms. Robyn Neeson	02 6951 2735

Note: An asterisk (*) indicates that the Corporation is still to finalise amendments to the project in terms of, for example, a lower budget or project design.
 

Achievements in 1999—2000
 

• Conducted regional industry development seminars in all states to raise awareness of organic opportunities and make linkages to industry participants.

• Supported travel by key industry personnel and University researchers to international organic events in Florence (IFOAM), and international speakers and local participants to various domestic seminars and events.

• Supported industry workshops and seminars (Rutherglen, Gippsland, Melbourne, Burnie, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Mackay, Mitchell) to facilitate certification training, industry planning and linkages with government and consumer agencies.

• Supported the formation of a national standards committee jointly with AQIS to coordinate debate and amendments to the National Organic Standards.

• Completed reports on export markets for fresh and frozen organic products, organic practices with wider significance to science and agriculture, an information package for organic farming, soil nutrient management and sustainable weed management.

• Supported the further development of the Organic Federation of Australia (OFA) as the industry peak body.

• Conducted joint workshops / meetings with a number of commodity R&D Corporations (DRDC, HRDC, MLA) re joint organic R&D projects and program collaboration.

Sub-Program 2.6: Rare Natural Animal Fibres 

Objective: To facilitate the development of new and established industries based on rare natural fibres

Background

The program can incorporate cashmere, mohair, alpaca fibre, camel hair and other rare fibre projects. The R&D projects currently cover the first three of these fibres.

In 1999 world prices for mohair and cashmere increased appreciable and for mohair there were continued greater clearances both internationally and in Australia for much of the coarser lines. Australian cashmere production remains less than 1 per cent of world production and the correspond­ing figure for mohair is 2 per cent. Only by raising the efficiency of production and by producing what is required by processors will productivity and net returns increase further.

Key sub-program strategies
 

• Address major strategies and targets published in the R&D plan for 1998–2003.

• Increase productivity on-farm, particularly from goats producing high levels of commercial fibre.

• Identify and research fibre properties required by processors to produce yarn, fabric and garments demanded further along the value-adding chain.

• Continue support for blending R&D between rare fibres, traditional fibres such as wool and cotton and synthetic fibres.

• Communicate to stakeholders and other interests via research reports progress and conclusions of program projects.

Strategies for 2000–2001
 

• Monitor and where necessary re-assess the targets in the 1998-2003 R&D Plan. Fund as relevant projects addressing targets and continue to seek ways whereby fibre marketing can return more to producers.

• Continue emphasis on processing by research with industry on improved blends using alpaca fibre.

• Assess production changes in the rare fibre industries.

• Publish final reports for distribution as hard copy and via the Internet to industry and other stakeholders.

Expected key outputs in 2000–2001

Report on cashmere processing utilising short fibres and the production of yarn of high fine cashmere content.
 

• Assessment of the marketing opportunities of fabrics from coarse mohair fibre.

• Publication of an update comprehensive book on all aspects of fibre goat production, particularly for cashmere producing goats.

• Publication of two final reports.

• One article incorporated in general R&D publications.

Expected key outcomes in 2000–2001
 

• Australian processing enterprises assessing value added mohair and cashmere products.

• Improved on-farm productivity of alpaca.

• Improved on-farm productivity of fibre goats as a result of additional revised and reprinted publications

This sub-program has its own Five Year Plan which is accessible in hardcopy and on the Internet at www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/rna/index.htm
 
 

GOAT FIBRE SUB-ACCOUNT
BUDGETED	1999—2000($)	2000—2001($)
Opening Balance	(12,444)	7,946
Total Revenues	59,090	70,100
Total Expenditure	38,700	64,000
Surplus/(Deficit)	20,390	6,100
Closing Balance	7,946	14,046

See Table 8 for further details

Sub-Program 2.6: Rare Natural Fibres — new projects being funded in 2000–2001

Project No.		Title	Researcher	Phone
HIS-1A	*	Publication of The Potential Toxicity of Austrailan Weeds to Goats	Ms H. Simmonds	02 4375 1123
RNF00-08	*	Review of fibre clip preparation systems and procedures	Ms C. Gould	02 9894 7877

Note: An asterisk (*) indicates that the Corporation is still to finalise amendments to the project in terms of, for example, a lower budget or project design.

Achievements in 1999–2000
 

• Reported on the worsted processing performance of mohair and mohair blends based on objective measurements of both raw and processed materials. Several promising mohair fabrics were produced.

• Reported to industry the various production performances and fibre characteristics of alpaca raised over four years on a number of commercial farms.

• Funded visits of industry personal to South Africa to examine production, processing and marketing related to mohair. Improved marketing by selling Australian mohair to South Africa does not present an efficient alternative. Generally the use of objective measurement and decreasing the fineness of the fibre are goals which the Australian producer should be addressing.

• Reported on the production of a 100% mohair worsted spun yarn from relatively course (33 micron) mohair. This research has implication in stimulating usage of mohair. An upholstery fabric has been produced and is being evaluated commercially to judge market attractiveness.

• Commenced a long-term project to determine the extent of genetically-based resistance to the major gastro-intestinal helminth parasites in goats. The project is being undertaken on two farms – one raising cashmere and the other mohair producing goats.

• Concluded investment into developing a performance recording scheme for breeders of cashmere producing goats due to lack of sufficient industry interest. Also concluded RIRDC investment into a project based on crossbreeding with boar goats as  there was not sufficient additional data being generated on fibre characteristics and  performance

• Publication of four final reports and one article incorporated in a general RIRDC publication.

Objective:  To support the continued development of an environmentally sustainable and profitable Australian tea tree oil industry that has established international leadership in marketing, in value-adding, and in product  reliability and production

Background

Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is native to the north coast of New South Wales. Its oil has gained widespread therapeutic use for fungal and microbial infections but is not yet registered for use by the medical profession.

The current annual production of tea tree oil in Australia is about 400 tonnes, having a farm-gate value of around $18 million. The industry comprises some 250–280 growers and is located principally in northern New South Wales and on the Atherton Tableland in Queensland.

More than 90 per cent of Australian tea tree oil is exported, principally to North America and Europe. The major end uses of the oil are in antimicrobials and cosmetics, with much of the oil being sold as a pure oil.

As plantings increase, there are concerns about the balance between supply and demand in coming years. However, the industry remains optimistic about its future. The challenge is to build on recent achievements, particularly relating to safety and efficacy, and to pursue a more cohesive marketing effort. The R&D program can contribute to this by improving the understanding of markets to enable greater product differentiation and better product descriptions. Acceptance of tea tree oil by the US Food and Drug Authority for first aid and health care remains a key priority.

On the production side, research on plant nutrition is seen as a high priority because of concerns that this may become a major limiting factor in future production of tea tree oil. Continued work on breeding superior genetic material also remains a priority.

• Improve the understanding of markets for tea tree oil.

• Improve existing products and develop new ones.

• Enhance the ability of the industry to meet appropriate safety and efficacy standards.

• Provide production systems that are both ecologically sustainable and profitable.

• Enhance the human capital of the industry.

Strategies for 2000-2001
 

• Develop new initiatives on the use of tea tree oil in agriculture.

• Continue the breeding program.

• Undertake further work on tea tree oil-related efficacy and safety issues in human health.

Expected key outputs in 2000-2001
 

• A microsatellite DNA library and DNA markers for tea tree.

• A report on tea tree oil as a topical decolonisation solution for adult inpatients with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas

• A report on the antiviral activity of tea tree oil in vitro.

• A report on the second stage of skin sensitivity testing of tea tree oil and its components.

• A RIRDC/ATTIA tea tree oil web site.

• The RIRDC and ATTIA newsletters to communicate with growers, presentations on the program at the Wollongbar Tea Tree Symposium, and more extensive use of the mainstream media.

Expected key outcomes in 2000-2001
 

• Further yield improvements from the release of highly improved seed from the breeding project.

• An assessment of the suitability of tea tree as a topical antiviral agent and an improved understanding of the skin sensitivity of tea tree oil and its major components, which will assist in the marketing of tea tree oil.

This sub-program has its own Five Year Plan which is accessible in hardcopy and on the Internet at www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/tto5yr.htm
 

TEA TREE OIL SUB-ACCOUNT
BUDGETED	1999-2000($)	2000-2001($)
Opening Balance	60,060	0
Total Revenues	281,000	704,921
Total Expenditure	341,060	704,921
Surplus/(Deficit)	(60,060)	0
Closing Balance	0	0

See Table 2 for further details

Sub-Program 2.7: Tea Tree Oil — new projects being funded in 2000-2001
 

Project No.		Title	Researcher	Phone
TTO00-04		Antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil against oral microorganisms*	Ms Christine Carson	08 9346 3288
TTO00-05		The anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties of tea tree oil*	A/Prof John Finlay-Jones	08 8201 3909
TTO00-08		Clinical efficacy of tea tree oil for cold sores*	A/Prof Tom Riley	08 9346 3690
TTO00-09		Multi-centre randomised clinical trials for TTO products for vaginal infections*	Ms Christine Carson	08 9346 3288
TTO00-10		The anti fungal activity of TTO in vitro*	A/Prof Tom Riley	08 9346 3690

Note: An asterisk (*) indicates that the Corporation is still to finalise amendments to the project in terms of, for example, a lower budget or project design.

Achievements in 1999-2000
 

• Significantly increased oil yield and quality by selecting tea tree lines of different provenance, and wide sales of improved seed.

• Made a submission on skin sensitivity of tea tree oil to the US Food and Drug Authority regarding registration of tea tree oil as a first aid antiseptic.

• Continued the publication of an industry newsletter as a means of improving communication with the industry on the R&D program.

• Reports on:

- skin sensitivity testing for tea tree oil

- the anti-inflammatory activity of tea tree oil

- plant nutritional survey of the Australian tea tree industry.

Sub-Program 2.8:  Wildflowers and Native Plants 
 

Objective: To improve the profitability, productivity and sustainability of the Australian wildflower and native plant industry

Background

Wildflowers are now cultivated in all States, but Western Australia still accounts for more than half of Australia’s annual wildflower production valued at around $45 million at the farm gate. The relative importance of bush-picked flowers is declining, even in Western Australia.

In 1998-99 the value of exports of wildflowers and native plants amounted to about $30 million. The key commercial wildflowers are Geraldton wax, kangaroo paw, Thryptomene, and species of Banksia, Leucadendron and Protea. The major markets are Japan, the United States, Germany and the Netherlands, with Europe increasing in importance.

• Understand, strengthen and develop markets.

• Improve existing products and develop new ones.

• Provide profitable and sustainable production systems.

• Enhance the human capital of the industry.

Strategies for 2000-2001
 

• Foster field trials and licensing of promising new wildflowers and foliage.

• Encourage greater involvement of industry in carrying out and funding R&D projects.

• Assure the effective flow of information about research findings and work in progress to the industry.

• Start new projects on the USA flower market, obtaining intellectual property rights, ethylene management in flora, a workbook for post harvest treatments, Leptospermum as a cutflower and Grevillea as a focal cutlflower.

Expected key outputs in 2000-2001
 

• A broadening of the range of new wildflowers available to the industry or being evaluated by growers.

• Further strengthening of the information package available to growers and exporters.

• Publication of an updated R&D Plan for the period 2000-2005.

• Publication of final reports and short reports on projects completed during the year and the reporting of all completed projects on RIRDC’s website.

• Publication of the proceedings of the 5th National Workshop on Native Flowers.

• Publication of research findings in industry journals such as FECA Update, Australian Horticulture, and Bracts and Buds.

Expected key outcomes in 2000-2001
 

• Grower trials of new lines of riceflowers, Baeckea species, flannel flowers, Ixodea daisy and yellow bells.

• The commercial release of several improved lines of waxflower.

• Improved targeting of sales based on analyses of markets in North America, Europe and Asia and a better understanding of the domestic market.

This sub-program has its own Five Year Plan which is accessible in hardcopy and on the Internet at www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/wildflow.htm
 

Sub-Program 2.8: Wildflowers and Native Plants — new projects being funded in 2000–2001

Project No.		Title	Researcher	Phone
MUL00-04	*	Preparation and publication of a protocol for obtaining intellectual property rights for plants	Prof. John Considine	08 9380 1783
WNP00-04	*	An integrated ethylene management system for the waxflower industry	Mr. Douglas Hall	08 9380 3671
WNP00-14		A practical workbook of postharvest treatments for wildflowers	Dr. John Faragher	03 9210 9222
WNP00-16		Developing Leptospermum as an export cut flower crop: phase 2	Mr. Tony Slater	03 9210 9222
WNP00-17	*	Grevillea: Breeding and Development of Focal (Cut) Flowers	Prof. Donald Marshall	02 9351 8803

Note: An asterisk (*) indicates that the Corporation is still to finalise amendments to the project in terms of, for example, a lower budget or project design.
 

Achievements in 1999-2000
 

• With the aim of accelerating the introduction of new cutflowers, started new projects on Boronia and Scholtzia in collaboration with a commercial rather than publicly funded breeder.

• Started new work on grafting Eriostemon australasius; the propagation of Gymea lily; potential new cutflowers and foliages from Queensland rainforests; the breeding and selection of Eucalyptus species for flowers in bud and for foliage; and a novel approach to extending vase-life in cutflowers.

• Extended support for further work on Ixodea daisy in SA and on golden cascade in WA.

• Completed a study on disinfestation techniques that provided a basis for registering the new fumigant mixture ECO₂FUME^®

• Published a report on an improved uptake technique for preserving foliage and flowers and supported grower workshops on the new method.

• Completed a project on the epidemiology and control of Elsinoe scab, an increasingly important disease of plantation-grown South African Proteaceae, and provided revised recommendations for its control.

• Supported the commercialisation of an immersion technique for dying and preserving flowers and foliages.

• Initiatated the commercialisation of promising lines of Baeckea behrii and held an industry workshop on how to improve that position.

• Completed a pilot project on Do Our Own Research (DOOR) in WA and Queensland, which showed that growers can undertake certain types of research themselves.

• Published and distributed to industry associations several user-friendly short reports on completed projects and a revised version of the RIRDC Wildflower Newsletter.

• Provided financial support for Flowers 2000, an industry conference aimed at bringing together traditional and wildflower growers to discuss matters of common interest.

• Appointed a new industry advisory committee for the sub-program.

• Developed and sought industry endorsement of an R&D plan for the period 2000-2005