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

Budget:      $562,711

Background

Asian vegetables are mainly grown for domestic consumption, with production concentrated on the outskirts of the main state capital cities, including 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 also popular and opportunities include sauces, ready-made meals, and possibly snacks.

Increasing attention to industry development will be needed in the future, with greater emphasis on managing quality and the development of supply chains. Conservative estimates are that, with appropriate research and development, the current value of the Australian industry will double within three years.

This program now has a new five year R&D 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.
• 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.
• Ensure chemical use is safe for workers and consumers.

Post-harvest treatment and handling
 

• Increase shelf life of fresh and semi-processed products.
• Improve cool chain management.

Strategies for 2001-2002

Development of technologies and consumer products that will enhance the consumption of Asian vegetables.
 

• Investigate consumers’ perceptions of and preferences for Asian vegetables.
• Further investigate production processes and post harvest storage methods for selected Asian vegetables.
• Improve industry networks and promote communication of the outcomes of R&D on Asian foods.

Expected key outputs in 2001–2002
 

• Release of consolidated information on production, post harvest handling and markets for kabocha, bittermelon, Chinese broccoli, daikon, burdock and Chinese cabbage.
• Report on improving the quality of Asian vegetables, including issues relating to post-harvest handling and packaging.
• Report on lotus, providing information on production and marketing and focussing on the Japanese market.
• Report on improved management practices for culinary bamboo shoots.
• Publication of further issues of the Access to Asian Foods and Access to Asian Vegetables Newsletters.
• Support for industry field days and workshops to promote the output of completed and ongoing projects.

Expected key outcomes in 2001–2002
 

• 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.
• Further development of industry networks.
• 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

• Improved networks amongst Asian foods researchers in association with the project on consolidating the Asian vegetable industry.
• Establishment of a pilot project on communicating with non-English speaking growers of Asian vegetables. The pilot is being conducted principally in the Northern Territory, but the aim is to develop approaches and materials that can be used nationally.
• Further development of communication links through the publication of Access to Asian Food and Access to Asian Vegetables newsletters.
• Publication of report on the production and marketing of Japanese ginger (myoga). The project was successful in establishing the viability of this new and sustainable export-based horticultural industry that could generate earnings of A$4 million annually in Australia. This project was also one of the three finalists in RIRDC’s 2000 Business Plan Competition.
• Release of a growers’ manual on production and post harvesting of Chinese water chestnuts.

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

Budget:  $2,626,012

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 “multiple benefit” nature of agroforestry makes it ideal for collaboration between R&D partners with varying priorities.  Development of a joint approach ensures that outcomes from agroforestry R&D expenditure are balanced amongst the benefits by focussing resources on a set of priorities agreed by all partners.

The Joint Venture Agroforestry Program (JVAP) was established in 1993 with three partners: RIRDC, the then Land and Water Resources Research and Development Corporation (now Land &Water Australia)  and the Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Corporation.

Funding is also provided for some activities by the Murray Darling Basin Commission, the Grains Research and Development Corporation, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Australian Greenhouse Office.

In February 1998 the Portfolio Minister provided $4 million to the program sourced from the Natural Heritage Trust through the Farm Forestry Program (FFP).

The JVAP has a key role in initiation and coordination of research and development.  Priorities vary between regions.  Where commercial agroforestry is already well advanced, the JVAP assists the removal of remaining policy and institutional impediments and helps to rectify market failures.

The JVAP recognises that future commercial agroforestry investments, particularly in the medium to low rainfall regions, are subject to considerably greater risk than other commercial land use enterprises with proven production systems and more transparent commodity markets.  R&D intervention can help reduce this risk by quantifying land, water, biodiversity and social responses to agroforestry systems and developing new products from trees in low to medium rainfall areas.  Therefore, the JVAP places a high priority on farm forestry in low to medium rainfall areas.

The JVAP has managed Bioenergy Australia (previously called the Biomass Taskforce) since 1998.  This taskforce fosters and facilitates the development of biomass for energy, liquid fuels, and a chemical feedstock.  Membership continues to grow with more than 40 members.  The sustainable development of a biomass industry in Australia is an important new area of R&D within the JVAP.

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 2001–2002
 

• Communication of  JVAP research, including  Trees, Water and Salt: An Australian guide to using trees for healthy catchments and productive farms and the Farm Forestry Site Selection Manual to facilitate capacity building at a regional level.
• Facilitate, coordinate and support research projects investigating potential new industries and environmental services from trees in low rainfall areas.
• Continue to support and facilitate R&D to investigate the impact of agroforestry and farm forestry systems on biophysical processes- in particular biodiversity.
• Continue to support nationally coordinated R&D into the use of agroforestry and farm forestry systems for bioenergy production.

Expected key outputs in 2001–2002
 

• Publication of the results of a review of the R&D priorities for agroforestry and farm forestry systems in northern Australia.
• Publication of the outcomes of research investigating the biodiversity values of farm forestry systems.
• Release of a silvicultural decision support system for farm forestry which will predict wood product yield based on a few simple site descriptors and the plantation silviculture applied.
• Release of guidelines for the silvicultural management of blackwood.
• Publication of a report investigating the production of high value farm wood production in the semi arid zone.
• Publication of the outcomes of a study investigating the potential of plantation grown trees to produce high value solid wood products in the medium to low rainfall zone.
• Completion of a study assessing the cost benefits of small log processing for laminated 3 ply flooring.
• Release of a whole-farm and regional agroforestry decision making system.
• Continue to publish the quarterly ANU Forestry Market Report.

Expected key outcomes in 2001–2002
 

• An increased number of well designed agroforestry and farm forestry systems which optimise the positive impacts of trees integrated into farming systems.
• Availability of improved genetic material for establishment of medium to low rainfall agroforestry systems.
• Continued improvement in the management of existing vegetation on farms for environmental and economic benefit.
• A greater number of Australian farms contributing to natural resource management objectives through the integration of trees on farmland.
• Continue to increase awareness of the potential of agroforestry 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

Achievements in 2000–2001
 

• Held the highly successful JVAP Stakeholder Consultation and Information Exchange Meeting in November 2000.
• Communication to stakeholders of the JVAP Design Guideline Series in a Plenary Session of the Australian Forest Growers Conference, 2000.
• The publication of  the first three books in the JVAP Design Guideline Series:Trees, Water and Salt, Farm Forestry Site Selection Manual and Trees for Shelter:  A guide to using windbreaks on Australian farms.
• The development of the new Research Update series.  Publication of Trees, Water and Salt: an Australian guide to using trees for healthy catchments and productive farms. Research Update No. 1 and Emerging products and services from trees in lower rainfall areas. Research Update No. 2 More than 3000 copies of each document distributed to stakeholders further to high demand.
• Supported a workshop and published the Proceedings and Discussion Paper from the Plantations, Farm Forestry and Water Workshop.
• The  Master TreeGrowers Program awarded the 2000 Allan Strom Eureka Award for excellence in Environmental Education.
• Publication of a final report describing the results of a scoping study investigating the potential for integrated mallee processing for carbon products, eucalyptus oil and electricity.  A pilot plant based on this system is currently being established in Narrogin (WA) with government and private investment.
• Release of a Risk Management Strategy to address potential genetic pollution from eucalypt and eucalypt hybrids in farm forestry systems.
• Supported the Bioenergy Australia Conference 2000.
• Continued to publish biannual JVAP newsletter and published more than 10 final research reports.
• Updated and reprinted a JVAP information brochure.
• Distribution of 10,000 copies of Biomass Energy and Products brochure.

Sub-Program 2.3: Deer

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

Budget:    $275,000

Background

The Australian deer industry has an estimated gross value of production of about $7 million at the farm gate. Although the industry is dispersed throughout Australia, the majority of the herd is in Victoria and New South Wales. Fallow and Red deer are the most numerous species.

Major products are: (i) Venison where since 1997 annual production has ranged from about 1,000 tonnes to about 1,500 tonnes, with an estimated 90% of that volume exported and (ii) Velvet antler with annual production estimated at about 25 tonnes of fresh product.

Traditionally, most velvet is exported in a frozen state to Korea and China. However there is an increasing trend to contract processing of product in Australia and New Zealand for subsequent, value-added, sale in tourist markets. The Australian Deer Horn and Co Products Pty Ltd continues to grade and sell the majority of the industry’s production on behalf of farmers.

An improvement in European, North American and Asian demand for venison saw prices slowly increase throughout 1999/2000 with peak prices (hot carcase weight less the industry levy) reaching about $4.12/kg and averaging in excess of $2.50/kg for all venison sold. During 2000/2001 average prices continued to rise. Prices for export venison are expected to remain high for the foreseeable future as demand is expected to exceed supply and while the value of the Australian dollar remains low relative to the US.

Twelve to eighteen months ago, most observers of international velvet markets suggested that antler prices were expected to remain high for the ensuing period. However, little was known of reserves of dried antler held in China and Korea prior to the beginning of the 2000/2001-velvet season and the impact of those reserves on the demand for fresh (frozen) antler from Australia and New Zealand.

Average prices fell from about $85.00 per kg across the 1999/2000 season to about $56.00 per kg for the 2000/2001 season.

Key sub-program strategies
 

• Focus on increasing deer numbers by:
i. increasing adoption of available technologies that have the potential to increase returns to producers from improved product quality; and
ii. 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 centres 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 2001–2002
 

• Development of tourist markets for value added velvet antler and venison co-products initiated.
• Pilot benchmarking study of leading producers.
• Reaccredit and retrain industry QA facilitators.
• Encourage the adoption of industry Quality Assurance Brand Marks.
• Expand Quality Assurance program.

Expected key outputs in 2001–2002
 

• Report on value adding venison/velvet products.
• Quality Assurance documentation.
• Improved information dissemination systems.

Expected key outcomes in 2001–2002
 

• Measurable increase in demand from tourist markets for value added velvet antler and venison co-products.
• Pilot benchmarking study of leading producers complete and information disseminated.
• Industry QA facilitators reaccredited and trained in the use of the deer industry quality assurance program (DeerQAMA).
• Improvement in the average quality of venison sold in all markets.
• Increased adoption of the industry Quality Assurance program by producers, transporters and processors.

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

Sub-Program 2.3: Deer — new projects to be funded in 2001–2002 include
 

Project No.		Title	Researcher	Phone
DEE01-01		Development of domestic markets for value added Australian Velvet Antler and Deer Co-products Part B	Bilby International	(08) 8369 2447
DEE01-05; DEE01-09	*	Improving Deer Industry Profitability and Finalisation of Documentation for QA Program	Mr Chris Tuckwell	(08) 8523 3500
DEE01-13		Improving Deer Industry Profitability through Research Uptake - Pilot Project	Ms G. Cameron	(03) 5626 6232
DEE01-15	*	Evaluation of diagnostic methods for Johnes disease in deer	Mr Chris Schroen	(03) 9217 4200
DEE01-17		Deer R&D Newsletter - Editorial Services	Dr Laurence Denholm	(02) 6361 3268
DEE01-18		Deer R&D Newsletter - Publication and Distribution	Mr Andy Cowan	(03) 5774 7489

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.

• Rewrote all industry Quality Assurance manuals to reflect required improvements and the requirements of HACCP planning.
• Produced a computer database program (DeerQAMA) to encourage deer farmers to record data required by the industry Quality Assurance program.
• Small increase (from February) in farmer returns from the sale of venison co-products.
• Developed a New Industry Code of Practice.
• Continued the expansion of the industry Quality Assurance program.
• Developed the venison statistics computer program (Venstat) for the collection and storage of industry venison statistics.
• Identified and reported on potential demand for value added velvet and venison co-products by Asian tourist markets.
• Developed a new industry five-year R&D plan.

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

Budget:      $410,000

Background

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
 

• Investigate the market opportunities for Australian produced essential oils and plant extracts.
• 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 2001–2002
 

• Further extend the range of essential oils and plant extracts for which information is available on markets, production, harvesting and post harvest handling.
• Undertake research to determine the minimum residue limits for pesticides in essential oils.
• Introduce a new five year R&D plan for the Essential Oils and Plant Extracts Sub-program.
• Continue activities that support the uptake of R&D outcomes.

Expected key outputs in 2001–2002
 

• Report on the potential for integrated pest management  in peppermint growing in South East Australia.
• Report on production systems for chamomile and kesom oil.
• Report on new and enhanced floral products from Boronia.
• Preliminary report on the use of natural products such as essential oils to control chalkbrood disease, an infectious disease of honeybee larvae.
• Report on the viability of replanting present boronia plantations.
• The production of further issues of the newsletter  of the Essential Oil Producers’ Association of Australia.
• New five year R&D plan for the Sub-program.

Expected key outcomes in 2001–2002
 

• Wider range of essential oil and plant extract options available to growers.
• Availability of new information to help improve the product range and market share of boronia.
• Establishment of new research priorities 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/essentoi.htm

• Finalisation of a study on Tasmannia lanceolata (mountain pepper) which has considerable market potential as flavour and fragrance due to its distinctive aroma.
• Initiated projects on commercial borage production, determining polysaccharides in Australian grown echinacea and efficient sourcing and fractionation of sesquiterpenoid alcohols from Australian sandalwood.
• Provided support for researchers and industry members to attend national and international conferences.
• Published further issues of an industry newsletter produced by the Essential Oils Producers’ Association of Australia.

Objective:  To facilitate the development of a viable organic industry through increasing adoption of sustainable organic farming systems.

Budget:      $275,000

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, export and domestic consumers are seeking certified organically grown products in response to this concern.

The Australian organic (incorporating biodynamic) industry has around 1800 certified/registered members collectively marketing product estimated at the farm gate to be worth approximately $180 million a year. On current trends the industry is estimated to grow by 40%  (2500 members, $260 million) in the next 5 years. Members come from all sectors of the value chain — growers, processors and manufacturers, retailers and consumers — across all States. They operate in diverse rural industries, including grains and pulses, horticulture, viticulture, beef and pork, dairy, sugarcane and honey.  Seafood is a new opportunity driven by the increasing contribution of the aquaculture sector.  Seven organisations are currently registered with the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) to inspect and certify organic farming, processing and marketing 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
 

• Design Australian organic production and processing systems that optimise use of our physical, social, and natural resources.
• Focus on the adoption of organic systems by rural producers, processors, manufacturers and marketers.
• Optimise market access for both Australian exports and imported products.
• Increase returns to organic enterprises through improved supply systems, better information, and the skills of supply chain participants.
• Collate and share information and knowledge for the benefit of organic enterprises and industry.
• Promote consistent and robust industry policy and R&D development.

Strategies for 2001–2002

Future strategies for the sub-program will be driven by the Organic R&D Plan 2001 –2005, to be released in August 2001.

Expected key outputs in 2001–2002
 

• National Organic Conference supported by organic industry and traditional agriculture.
• Further expansion of the role and circulation of the Organic Newsletter to organic and conventional industry, and governments.
• Documentation of organic crop and pasture systems for southeast Australia.
• Documentation of organic practices with wider significance to science or agriculture.
• Further identification of sustainable weed management practices for organic herb and vegetable production.
• Review of Organic Polycultural Systems: design principles, risks and benefits.
• Release of training curriculum developed to facilitate the adoption of organic systems.

Expected key outcomes in 2001–2002
 

• Closer linkage to researchers, R&D Corporations and state agencies in industry planning.
• Publication of an organic industry directory.
• Consolidation of the role of the OFA in leading and representing the national industry.
• Increased interest by conventional producers in “conversion” as the path to organic certification.
• Further development of plant and animal pest management strategies for organic agriculture.
• Enhanced knowledge of organic supply chain management and inefficiencies.

Sub-Program 2.5: Organic Produce — new projects being funded in 2001–2002 include

Project No.		Title	Researcher	Phone
ORP00-13		World class production systems for new Australian apple varieties	Dr Peter Stephens	(07) 4681 1255
ORP01-12	*	Increasing sustainable production and soil fertility on broad-acre organic farms	Dr Jeffrey Evans	(02) 6938 1999
ORP01-07	*	Costs and benefits to organic farmers of research by R&D Corporations	Dr Els Wynen	(02) 6258 3561
ORP01-35		Organic Federation of Australian Inaugural 'Organic Farming Report'	Mr Scott Kinnear	(03) 9384 0288

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 2000—2001
 

• Launch of an organic industry website.
• Independent review of organic R&D direction to date, and recommended future strategies.
• Training program for organic inspectors.
• Creation of an organic development program by the dairy industry.
• Increased awareness of organic systems among remote pastoralists due to sponsored seminars.
• Comparison of Australian Organic Industry Standards with Standards for Key Trading Partners.
• Contributions to a range of seminars and conferences run within the industry.
• Australian industry representation at world conferences in the UK, Europe (IFOAM) and New Zealand.
• Industry representation at the Codex Alimentarius meeting on Food Labelling in Ottawa.
• Publications and information packages on practices and principles of organic farming in Australia.
• Replacement of the Industry R&D Advisory Committee based on industry nominations.

Sub-Program 2.6: Rare Natural Animal Fibres

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

Budget:    $215,000

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 2000 world prices for mohair and cashmere were maintained at 1999 levels. This buoyancy has renewed confidence for producers in these industries and the dehairing of cashmere fleeces in Australia before sale is adding value to the price of the raw product. Increasing attention is being paid by alpaca producers in reducing fibre fineness and responding to processors needs. Australian cashmere and alpaca 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 within budgetary limitations published strategies and targets in the 1998-2003 R&D Plan.
• Identify and research appropriately with industry fibre properties required by processors to produce yarn, fabric and garments demanded further along the value-added chain.
• Maintain R&D in blending rare fibres with traditional fibres such as wool, cotton and synthetic fibres.
• Increase productivity on-farm by investment in health and breeding research.
• Communicate to stakeholders progress and conclusions of projects.

Strategies for 2001–2002
 

• 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.
• Maintain processing research with industry.
• Evaluate angora sires towards central progeny testing.
• Improve quality of mohair by reducing short and cotted fibres.
• Publish final reports as hard copy and via Internet to industry and other stakeholders.

Expected key outputs in 2001–2002
 

• Publish reports on improving the efficiency of reproduction in alpacas and clip preparation standards for alpaca fibre.
• Publication of two final reports.
• One article incorporated in general R&D publications.

Expected key outcomes in 2001–2002
 

• Improved reproduction in alpacas by greater use of modern reproduction techniques.
• Increased use of goats in strategic weed control.
• Improved clip preparation of alpaca fleeces.

GOAT FIBRE SUB-ACCOUNT
BUDGETED	2000—2001($) Forecast	2001–2002($) Budget
Opening Balance	30,081	49,285
Total Revenues	100,900	134,000
Total Expenditure	81,696	88,900
Surplus/(Deficit)	19,204	45,100
Closing Balance	49,285	94,385
See Table 8 at page 98 for further details

Sub-Program 2.6: Rare Natural Fibres — new projects being funded in 2001–2002 include

Project No.	Title	Researcher	Phone
RNF01-01	Developing a model for progeny testing mohair sires	Mr Mark Ferguson	(03) 5573 0958
RNF01-04	Optimising harvesting strategies	Mr Bruce McGregor	(03) 9217 4364

Achievements in 2000–2001
 

• Concluded research and development in the utilisation of short fibre length cashmere by blending with other fibres in yarn and fabric manufacture. Extensive technical and commercial testing of products have been made.
• Released a new reference book on the palatability and potential toxicity of weeds to goats. Palatability is graded and poisonous compounds named. Strategies for the use of acceptable weeds are described.
• Completed the evaluation of an upholstery fabric made from strong mohair fibre. Although the fabric tested well technically when assessed by USA interest, the judgement was that there would be currently insufficient demand for further commercial manufacture. Part of the fabric has been retained in Australia where it can be again evaluated in light of fashion changes.
• Published a revision of ‘Cashmere Goat Notes’ as ‘Goat Notes’ owing to the inclusion of more information on Angora and Boar Goats.
• Commenced a long-term project to improve the quality of alpaca products via assessing and improving the fibre processing performance, the softness, and properties of yarns and fabrics.
• Published four final reports as well as two books and articles incorporated in general RIRDC publications and media releases.

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.

Budget:      $484,424

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 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 is currently an imbalance between supply and demand. However, the industry remains optimistic about its future. The challenge is to build on recent R&D achievements, particularly relating to safety and efficacy and to explore options for new applications of tea tree oil. On the production side, continued work on breeding superior genetic material also remains a priority.

Key sub-program strategies

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 2001-2002
 

• Develop new initiatives on the use of tea tree oil in agriculture.
• Undertake further work on tea tree oil-related efficacy and safety issues in human health.
• Continue the breeding program.

Expected key outputs in 2001-2002
 

• Reports on:

–         Clinical efficacy of tea tree oil for treating coldsores
–         Anti inflammatory and anti- itch properties of tea tree oil
–         Anti microbial activity of tea tree oil against oral microorganisms
–         Multi centre randomised clinical trials for tea tree oil products for vaginal infections
–         The anti inflammatory activity of tea tree oil
• The RIRDC / 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 2001-2002
 

• Further yield improvements from the release of highly improved seed from the breeding project.
• Informing Product development through:

-   Outcomes of multi- randomised clinical trials for tea tree oil products for treatment of vaginal infections.
-   Outcomes of clinical trials of efficacy of a tea tree oil product as an antiviral therapy in the treatment of coldsores

TEA TREE OIL SUB-ACCOUNT
BUDGETED	2000-2001($)	2001–2002($)
Opening Balance	13,190	33,538
Total Revenues	656,310	493,226
Total Expenditure	635,962	518,424
Surplus/(Deficit)	20,348	(25,198)
Closing Balance	33,538	8,340
See Table 14 at page 104 for further details

Sub-Program 2.7: Tea Tree Oil — new projects being funded in 2001-2002 include
 

Project No.		Title	Researcher	Phone
TTO01-04	*	Potential of tea tree oil in Australian crop insect- pest control	Dr Errol Hassan	07 5460 1285
TTO01-05	*	Breeding and cloning tea tree for greater profitability	Dr Ian Southwell	02 6626 1224
TTO01-06	*	Regulation of immune responses in human skin by tea tree oil	A/Prof. John Finlay- Jones	08 8201 3909

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 2000–2001
 

• A microsatellite DNA library and DNA markers for tea tree.
• Significantly increased oil yield and quality by selecting tea tree lines of different provenance, and wide sales of improved seed.
• Continued the publication of an industry newsletter as a means of improving communication with the R&D program.

Reports on:
 

• Tea tree oil as a topical decolonisation solution for adult in-patients with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas.
• The antiviral activity of tea tree oil in vitro.
• The antifungal activity of tea tree oil in vitro.
• The second stage of skin sensitivity testing of tea tree oil and its components.
• The tea tree breeding program.

Sub-Program 2.8:  Wildflowers and Native Plants

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

Budget:    $417,450

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 1999-00 the value of exports of wildflowers and foliage’s plants exceeded $30 million, the value and, particularly, tonnage of fresh material exported having increased significantly over the previous year.  By contrast, exports of dried flowers fell markedly.  The key commercial wildflowers are Geraldton wax, kangaroo paw, Thryptomene, Stirlingia and species of Banksia, Leucadendron and Protea, with species other thanwaxflower increasing in relative importance.  The major markets are Japan, the United States, the Netherlands, Canada, and Germany.

Key sub-program strategies
 

• 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 2001-2002
 

• Foster field trials and licensing of promising new wildflowers and foliage.
• Encourage greater involvement of industry in carrying out and funding R&D.
• Assure the effective flow to the industry of information about research findings and research in progress.
• Start new projects on wide hybridization in the Chamelaucium alliance; Australian cutflower "best bets"; and new varieties of Leucadendron.

Expected key outputs in 2001-2002
 

• A report by FECA providing a clearer understanding and better documentation of the value of wildflower exports and indicating ways in which the current ABS documentation and quantification of exports can be improved.
• A wider range of new wildflowers available to or being evaluated by growers.
• 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 and notification of research findings in industry journals such as FECA Update, Australian Horticulture, Flower Link and Buds and Bracts.

Expected key outcomes in 2001-2002
 

• Grower trials and licensing of new lines of rice flower, Baeckia species, flannel flower, Ixodia daisy and yellow bells.
• Improved targeting of sales based on improved understanding of markets in USA and Canada and the domestic market complemented by a more concerted approach to such markets by industry.

Sub-Program 2.8: Wildflowers and Native Plants — new projects being funded in 2001–2002 include

Project No.		Title	Researcher	Phone
WNP01-03		Resolving barriers to wide hybridization in the Chamelaucium alliance through cell fusion	Prof John Considine	(08) 9380 1783
WNP01-09		Australian cut flower best bets program	Mr Tony Slater	(03) 9210 9222
WNP01-10		Speeding up the release of new varieties of Leucadendron	Dr Guijun Yan	(08) 9380 1240

Achievements in 2000–2001
 

• Developed and published an R&D plan for the period 2000-2005.
• Started new projects on intellectual property rights; practical ethylene monitoring and management; export statistics; a growers' handbook of post-harvest treatments; the second phase of Leptospermum as a export crop; and terminal-flowering Grevillea species as a focal-flower crop.
• Published analyses of the domestic and North American cutflower markets and supported industry workshops on these matters.
• With the aim of widening the range of flowers available to growers, published reports on waxflowers for floriculture; a production manual for Acacia; flannel flower; Ixodea daisy; the first phase of Leptospermum as a potential cutflower; hybridisation as a source of new waxflowers and related species; and the first phase of inter-specific hybridisation to produce new lines of Leucadendron.
• Published reports on improved export fumigation methods and the management of Elsinoe scab.
• Supported the publication of QDPI books entitled "Should I grow wildflowers?" and "Rice flower - production guidelines for growers".
• Published and distributed several user-friendly short reports on completed projects and the RIRDC Wildflower Newsletter.
• Provided the major sponsorship for Flowers 2000, Australia's first gathering of both wildflower and traditional flower growers and researchers.
• Provided financial support for researchers and industry members to attend conferences and workshops.

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