Government Information
Australian Government Sites
on 01/09/03Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia
Extensive information on the Department, including media releases, publications (with online purchases available through affiliated government web sites), contacts, legislation administered, structure, events, programs, services and activities. Ministers' home pages are also available.
An online subscription service is available on a wide range of topics and the latest breaking news and current affairs information is available through the homepage. On entering the site, visitors are questioned about their Internet connection speed, so they can be presented with an appropriately customised web site.
on 01/09/03Agriculture Western Australia
A substantial and informative site.
This site is effectively a large database, with a click on any link initiating a database search. From the results returned, it is easy to scroll through the items available or to apply filters to narrow the search criteria to target more specific information.
Information available through the site is extensive and includes material on hot topics, news, events, weather and climate change, livestock, crops, pastures, horticulture, disease, pests and weeds, the environment, quarantine, agribusiness, research and extension work.
on 01/09/03Austrade
The Austrade site offers a wide range of information relating to Austrade's services, information on overseas markets, preparing to export, export assistance, how to promote yourself online, upcoming trade events, exporting online and a range of other news and facts.
Also included is information to assist the international community in doing business with Australia. There is information on the location of Austrade's regional offices around the globe and a capability showcase highlighting the best of Australian business. There is also information available relating to investing within Australia, importing from Australia and studying in Australia.
There are a number of areas accessible from the homepage. These areas are 'About Austrade' which contains general information about Austrade. 'The Media Centre', which hosts PR contacts, media releases, speeches, success stories, news and facts. 'The Student Centre', which offers useful information for overseas students considering studying in Australia, and 'Your Profile' which allows you to become a member of the Austrade site and customise your browsing experience to suit your needs.
on 01/09/03Australia New Zealand Food Authority
Information about the Authority, including its role, Service Charter, directors, organisation, media releases, speeches and contacts.
The site provides information on food standards, including fact sheets and information circulars. Particular information is provided on issues such as genetically modified foods, food safety issues including pamphlets, food recall procedures and food regulation review.
on 01/09/03Australian Commonwealth Government Information
This site is basically a directory to other government web sites. The four main categories are 'individuals', 'students', 'business', and 'non-residents'. Each of the categories contain another categorised list, and this structure continues until you identify the specific information you require. This site is massive, and by browsing the site, you should be able to find information on just about any government service (e.g online ABN registration). The other areas of the homepage include national security, most accessed sites, and quick links to government departments and members.
on 01/09/03Australian Pork Corporation
The Australian Pork Corporation (APC) is the statutory marketing authority for pork produced in Australia and was established under the Pig Industry Act, 1986. The APC prepares and implements generic and semi-branded marketing and promotional plans for Australian fresh pork which encompass advertising, merchandising, provision of point of sale material and in-store demonstrations.
The site provides recipes and nutritional information, pig industry statistics that encompass pig prices, imports and exports, pig slaughtering charts and tables and a downloadable Pig Industry Handbook. There is also a 1995 Handbook of Australian Pork. Information is provided on APC contacts, export enquiries and CAPE and NNAP. The Food Service pages are being developed as a resource for professionals. The site also offers relevant links, the latest news and free APC subscriptions
on 01/09/03Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
http://www.affa.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=3E48F86-AA1A-11A1-B6300060B0AA00014
Now part of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia web domain, the AQIS site provides information on the organisation, including corporate plan, management structure, programs and services and contacts. A client feedback form is provided.
Each commodity section provides information on import and export regulations, risk analyses, fees and charges, conferences, papers and speeches, and a contact form to report an incident. The "export" section provides information on export requirements and procedures, draft documents available for comment, and contacts for export facilitation officers. Comparable information is provided in the "import" section. The "laws" section provides the legislation and regulations governing AQIS's activities. The "schools" section provides student-oriented information on quarantine and inspection matters.
on 01/09/03Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development (Northern Territory)
The Primary Industry and Fisheries agency now reside within the Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development of the Northern Territory Government. Primary Industry and Fisheries is responsible for the development of the Northern Territory's primary industries including agriculture, aquaculture, commercial and recreational fishing, horticulture and the pastoral industry.
The site has specific areas dedicated to animals, plants, fish, quarantine, industry, markets, climate and weather. There are also a range of publications, services and employment opportunities available through the site, along with a search facility, links page and contact information for the department.
on 01/09/03Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Information on the Department and its Ministers, including press releases, speeches, the Annual Report, publications, statistics, conferences and departmental business services. Publications available online (generally in pdf) include Fact Sheets, Country Fact Sheets, Economics at a Glance, extracts from Country Economic Briefs and some statistical publications, departmental newsletters such as Stats-News, some research reports and the Government's Trade Outcomes and Objectives Statement. Other publications are available via an order form for printing out, or via an online transaction.
Contact details for all Australian diplomatic offices around the world are provided in 'The Department' section, while the 'Travel' section includes travel warnings, more consular information and helpful advice. A section on 'Global issues' provides information on current international issues.
A substantial section on 'Trade' provides information on government trade initiatives, including trade liberalisation and negotiation activities, trade statistics, and research documents such as The New Silk Road report on electronic commerce. The section headed 'Countries' groups country information together.
on 04/02/04Food Standards Australia New Zealand
http://www.foodstandards.gov.au
Food Standards develops food standards for Australia and New Zealand, and forms an integral part of a strong food regulatory system operating between governments at all levels in Australia and New Zealand. Food Standards develops standards with advice from other government agencies, input from stakeholders and food regulatory policies endorsed by the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council.
The Food Standards web site contains information for primary producers, consumers and the media. Information is also provided on the food standards code, standards development and recalls and surveillance.
on 01/09/03National Native Title Tribunal
Information on the Tribunal, including its operations, contacts, media releases, publications, Annual Report, speeches, guidelines and decisions. The site also includes information on Native Title in a Questions and Answers format, as well as a research exchange, providing information on Native Title research in both Australia and overseas. An online feedback form is provided.
on 01/09/03NSW Agriculture
The front page of this substantial site provides the latest rural news and features. It also prominently displays the site search engine and prominent links content within the site.
The site is divided into 10 main sections on ‘Animals’, ‘Field Crops and Pastures’, ‘Horticulture’, ‘Pests, Diseases and Weeds’, ‘Natural Resources and Climate’, ‘Farm Business and Trade’, ‘Research, Advisory and Education’, ‘Community Services’, ‘Corporate Information & Employment’, and ‘News, Media and Bookshop’.
A range of publications and video’s are available through the ‘Bookshop’, which is essentially an online order form which must be printed out and posted back to NSW Agriculture for the order to be filled.
on 01/09/03NSW Rural Assistance Authority
http://www.agric.nsw.gov.au/raa/
This site provides the latest news and information as well as details on the Authority and its programs. For example, information is provided about exceptional circumstances, drought assistance, FarmBis assistance and farm debt mediation. There is also information on the appeal processes, publications, media releases, and related links.
on 01/09/03Office of the Gene Technology Regulator
http://www.health.gov.au/ogtr/index.htm
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has been established within the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing to provide administrative support to the Gene Technology Regulator in accordance with the Gene Technology Act 2000. This act introduces a national scheme for the regulation of genetically modified organisms in Australia, in order to protect the health and safety of Australians and the Australian environment by identifying risks posed by or as a result of gene technology, and to manage those risks by regulating certain dealings with genetically modified organisms.
The web site contains the latest Gene Technology news, Information about OGTR, maps of trial sites, media information, monitoring and compliance information, Gene Technology Committees and more.
on 01/09/03Primary Industries and Resources South Australia
The PIRSA web site contains a wide range of information relating to the departments focus on primary industries and resources. Of particular interst is the area dedicated specifically to ‘Agriculture’, which contains information ‘About Agricultural Industries’, ‘Livestock and Animal Health’ (incorporating health and disease issues, statistics, market information, industry bodies and current development projects), ‘Meat Hygiene’ (policies and programs that protect public safety), ‘Horticulture’ (fruit fly campaign etc), ‘Field Crops’ (barley, pulses, oilseeds and lots more), ‘Resource Information’, ‘Seed Services’ (covering a range of professional seed services) and ‘PIRSA Rural Solutions’ (providing specialised consultancy services in agriculture, agribusiness and natural resource management).
Also worth noting is the section on 'Rural Support', which offers information and contacts for 'Rural Affairs', Community Groups', 'Womens Groups', 'FarmBiz' and farm assistance programs.
Queensland Department of Primary Industries
See under Technical Production Information. Included here for its information on the Queensland Department, including its offices, contacts and services.
on 02/09/03Regional Australia - Commonwealth Department of Transport and Regional Services
http://www.dotrs.gov.au/regional/index.htm
An extensive site containing information on Commonwealth programs, policies and initiatives for rural and regional Australia, including departmental contacts.
on 02/09/03SafeFood NSW
http://www.safefood.nsw.gov.au/
"Protecting consumers by developing scientifically robust food safety systems
and ensuring their effective adoption by the NSW food industry" - SafeFood is a State Government agency responsible for food safety in the NSW primary produce and seafood industries. The site contains information on the Agency, including its services, the legislation under which the Agency operates, strategic plan, publications, What's New information and more.
on 02/09/03Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment
Information on the Department's structure, contacts, Annual Report, publications (with an order form for printing out), press releases and events.
The site provides information in the categories of Quarantine Pests and Disease, Sea, Fishing and Aquaculture, Food and Agriculture, Parks and Wildlife, Water, Environment and Land among others.
A list of hot topics is also kept up to date, along with publications, permits and forms, and a directory of services.
on 04/02/04University of Sydney Library - Australian Government Resources
An extensive list of federal and state government resources for agriculture and rural management, with over 150 links available.
on 05/09/03Victorian Department of Primary Industries
The DPI Victoria is committed to the sustainable development of primary industries for the benefit for all of Victoria. An extensive range of content is available within the site, categorised under the broad topics of "Agriculture and Food", "Fishing and Aquaculture", "Minerals and Petroleum", "Science, Research and Development" and "Trade and Investment".
The site contains press releases and publications specific to each topic area, as well as contact information, links to related sites, and the latest news and current affairs relevant to the department.
A customer service centre offers educational resources, information centres, interactive maps, library services, licences and permits, DPI/DSE Forms and information notes.
on 05/09/03Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) web site features current stories of relevance to the Dept along with a "What's New" area detailing additions to the site.
The site offers a range of customer services including invoice payments, interactive maps, the ability to apply for planning certificates and planning schemes online. Planning amendments can also be made online.
Other information available on the site is categorised under "Coasts & Marine", "Conservation & Environment", "Fire & Other Emergencies", "Forestry", "Heritage", "Land & Water Management", "Parks & Reserves", "Planning", "Plants & Animals", "Property", "Titles & Maps", "Recreation & Tourism" and "Research".
on 04/02/04Wheatbelt Development Commission
http://www.wheatbelt.wa.gov.au
The Wheatbelt Development Commission works with clients and stakeholders to ensure sustainable economic and social development occurs within the 44 local government authorities that comprise the Wheatbelt region.
The site provides details on completed and current projects, employment opportunities, publications and funding programs.
Some Overseas Government Sites
on 02/09/03Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
http://www.agr.ca/newintre.html
A contender for the title of “Most substantial agricultural information site on the Internet”.
The site provides home pages for a range of organisations associated with the Canadian Department including the Agri-Food Trade Network, Canadian Adaption and Rural Development Fund, Canadian Dairy Commission, Canadian Dairy Information Centre, Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Canadian Food Inspection System, Canadian Rural Information Service, the Inventory of Canadian Agricultural Research, the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration, and the Research Branch of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Information provided includes media releases, publications, Canadian government programs and services, industry information, information on Canadian agriculture, databases, market information, and research information.
An online feedback form is provided.
on 02/09/03AgricultureLaw.com
A site devoted to information on US agricultural policy. The site provides news on current developments in US agricultural policy, features on "hot topics", and the Agricultural Law Letter newsletter. An online feedback form is provided.
on 02/09/03Department of Agriculture and Food, Ireland
Information on the Department and its Minister, including organisation, contacts, press releases, speeches, and publications. A number of publications are downloadable, including the Annual Report and reports such as Winter Cereal Varieties Irish Recommended List 2002, andThe Irish Government's White Paper on Rural Development. Some information sheets are provided on "areas of interest".
on 02/09/03Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Alberta, Canada
A substantial site with information targeted to Alberta farmers, but with some information of broader interest. Of particular interest is the Agricultural Software Directory, listing a wide range of agricultural software packages available in North America, including links to the manufacturers' Web sites.
Other information of broader interest includes trade opportunities and market research in different countries, market prices and information and technical production information on a wide range of crop and livestock products, and pest and disease information. There is also rural development information, environmental information, 25 departmental newsletters, and about 30 calculators on things like pesticides and seeding.
on 02/09/03Department of Agriculture, Malaysia
Information on the Department, including its organisation, contacts, publications, services and standards. Statistical information is also provided on Malaysian agriculture.
on 03/09/03DG VI (Agriculture) at the European Commission
http://europa.eu.int/comm/agriculture/index_en.htm
Information on the Directory and the Commissioner, including press releases, speeches, and publications. Examples of publications include the The Common Agricultural Policy - 2000 Review and Prospects for agricultural markets 2001-2008.
The site includes information on Commission activities, such as the CAP 2000 publication on the future of agricultural markets, the current farm prices decision of the Commission, financing the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), promotional measures, research activities, etc. Some statistics on agriculture in Europe are also provided.
Other topics covered by the site include 'Agricultural markets', 'Rural development', 'Agriculture and environment', 'Forestry measures', 'Quality policy' and 'Organic farming'.
on 03/09/03Food and Agriculture Organisation
A substantial site on the Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and its activities and the world food security situation.
Information on the FAO itself includes its history, functions, structure and finance, Director's speeches, press releases, publications catalogue (including online ordering and credit card payment arrangements), contact details and general information on the IT activities of the World Agricultural Information Centre. News, in-depth articles and reports are provided on selected topics from each FAO Department. Examples include the FAO role in food emergencies, the annual State of Food and Agriculture and Commodity Market Review publications, and World Agriculture: Towards 2010.
The FAOSTAT database is available in searchable form, providing information on agricultural production, demand, trade, population trends, prices, land use, etc. The Codex Alimentarius database on maximum pesticide residue limits is also available. The Global Watch section provides information on current developments in food security around the world.
on 03/09/03German Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Forestry
The English-language section of the German Agriculture Ministry's site includes a number of reports, papers and publications on German agriculture dating back to 1998 (both as web pages and downloadable pdf files. A great deal more information is available in German - try AltaVista's Translation Service if necessary.
on 03/09/03International Grains Council
The International Grains Council administers the Grains Trade Convention and the Food Aid Convention. Its Web site provides general information on the Council and the Conventions, including basic contact information, press releases, publications (with an order form for printing out), and a monthly grain market report. It also covers an Intranet for members and subscribers.
on 03/09/03Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
http://www.maff.go.jp/eindex.html
General information on the MAFF and associated organisations such as its Research Council and the Center for Quality Control and Consumer Service.
Publications include the Annual Report on Japanese Agriculture. Some market information is provided by the Tokyo Grain Exchange. Statistical information on Japanese agriculture is provided along with a weekly news update. The site also provides a home page for the Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives (JA-ZENCHU) which provides news and policy statements.
on 03/09/03New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Information on the New Zealand Ministry, including strategic plan (in pdf), Annual Report, contacts, media releases, and publications.
Online publications include the Rural Bulletin newsletter, Farm Monitoring Report, Food Focus magazine, and discussion, information and technical papers.
A range of other information, including manuals and similar information, is provided under the headings of "meat", "plants", "animals" and "diseases". School project type information is also provided.
on 03/09/03OECD Directorate of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries
Information on the role of the Directorate in promoting agricultural policy reform, including publications, workshops, Ministerial meetings, the Committee for Agriculture and its committees. The site covers Directorate activities in the areas of agricultural policies, trade liberalisation, environment, rural development, non-member countries and fisheries.
A number of major reports are provided online. These include extracts from Agricultural Policies in Member Countries, Agricultural Policy Reform: New Approaches (in pdf), some Country Reviews, The Agricultural Outlook, Agriculture and the Environment: Issues and Policies in OECD Countries and Agricultural Policy Reform and the Rural Economy in OECD Countries.
A range of agricultural statistics are also provided. The site also provides information on the Directorate's international standardisation efforts in relation to fruit and vegetables, seeds and tractors.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
See under Price and Marketing Information. Included here for its information on the Department, its programs and its activities.
on 03/09/03US Congress Agriculture Committees
http://www.house.gov/agriculture/
Information on the Committees and their work, including inquiries, statements by Committee Chairpersons, and legislative activities. The House Committee in particular provides news and views on agricultural issues and information on US agriculture. Email updates are available.
See also http://www.senate.gov/~agriculture/
on 03/09/03World Trade Organisation
A substantial site on the World Trade Organisation.
Information is provided on the organisation and the international trade agreements it regulates, including a FAQ (frequently asked questions), its history, dispute settling role and procedures, press releases, publications, and membership.
Trade information is presented under the heading of "In Trade Topics" (and covers the topics of goods, services, intelectual property, dispute settlement and other topics. The "goods" section includes a general introduction to General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), and more specific information on the provisions governing the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. The summaries of Trade Policy Reviews of individual countries are presented, including the 2002 Trade Policy Review of Australia.
Dispute settlement procedures are outlined, along with the panel reports on each individual dispute and formal notifications. Abstracts of working papers of the Economic Research and Analysis Division are presented. The list of publications includes an order form for printing out. The Trading into the Future guide to the WTO and its agreements is available (in pdf or .exe formats).