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Rural Industries
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|| Introduction || Project listing|| Project Summaries ||
This program focuses on four major elements relating to innovation in the rural sector:
· extension - the use of communication processed to identify and assist change in primary industries;
· the development of new information technologies which are applicable across a wide range of industries;
· research into the development of skills and education targeted to rural and allied industries; and
· improvement of the communications infrastructure, encompassing physical and electronic components; the people resource; and organisational and institutional structures, policies and cultures.
Research Highlights for 1996-97
· Production of reports analysing information on the Web and its relevance to farming businesses.
· Publication of "Financial Performance of Broadacre Agriculture", a report that assisted in the review of the Rural Adjustment Scheme.
· Review of the education available to rural merchants to support enhanced transfer of technology to farmers.
· Identification of strategic options for the development, delivery and use of an effective electronic information systems infrastructure for rural Australia.
· Development of strategies to enhance the effectiveness of networking systems for rural women in Australia and overseas.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR AGRICULTURE
Objective
· To improve productivity and product quality, thereby increasing national and international market share of Australian Agriculture, by enhancing the practical skills of professional agriculturists.
Background
The principal philosophy behind the project is that efficient and effective investment in education and training lifts performance, which in turn lifts profitability. Australian agriculture does not have a nationally coordinated system which ensures all professional agriculturists, regardless of occupational context, have access to and undertake continuing professional education.
Furthermore, those who do have access to employer-provided training, have no access to guidance from industry and the profession which would help them plan their professional development investment to ensure it most effectively increased their contribution to industry objectives and priorities.
Research
The correlation was determined between the current professional development status of professional agriculturists and the range of skills and attributes which are considered essential for professional practice in agri-industry. A mechanism for assessing and accrediting the current professional capability of individuals was developed.
Outcome
The Standards for Professionals in Agriculture and Agri-industry have been developed and published as a basis for assessment for entry into the profession, career progression and professional development. Certified Practising Agriculturist (CPAg) status has been introduced and over 700 professional agriculturists have achieved CPAg status to date. The Australian Institute of Agricultural Science Professional Development Program based on the Standards and CPAg has been licensed to New Zealand and specialist accreditation joint-ventures have been launched with the Australian Soil Science Society Inc and the Australian Farm Management Society.
RIRDC Project No: AIA-4A
RESEARCHER: Simon Field
ORGANISATION: Australian Institute of Agricultural Science,
91 Rathdowne Street, CARLTON VIC 3053
PHONE: 03 9662 1077 FAX: 03 9662 2727
EMAIL: aias@peg.apc.org
USING A CARTOON CHARACTER TO INCREASE FARMERS' UNDERSTANDING OF PASTURE MANAGEMENT
Objective
· To develop and use a cartoon character as part of an extension package to increase farmers' understanding of pasture management technologies.
Background
Cartoons have been a poorly utilised medium in agricultural extension for conveying messages to farmers. The philosophy behind the project is that many research products have very low levels of awareness amongst the farming community which then impacts on adoption. This project investigated taking some of this information and publishing it using a recognised and successful marketing technique for newspapers. In using this marketing technique, and with positive results, it was hoped that the use of such a technique using the identifiable character could be used in future as an aid to the dissemination of new and old research results.
Research
Fifty key pasture management messages were developed and reinforced by using the services of a recognised cartoonist to do a cartoon on each message. The initial message style and cartoons were evaluated using farmer groups in both Gippsland and North Eastern Victoria. Using the feed back from this evaluation, articles were altered and several messages with cartoons were published in a regional and statewide newspaper. Comments were sought from the reading audience.
Outcomes
Within the farmer group evaluations there was a strong preference for the cartoon style presentation, however this reaction was not reinforced when the message was marketed to the rural community by newspaper. Factors other than style may account for this, for example cartoon detail, print size, layout, position on page and section of paper. In short, the project findings were inconclusive and need to be followed up. For this to be achieved, some marketing research will be needed to refine the article presentation and fully evaluate the audience reaction.
However, the cartoons were used in the Meat Research Corporation's (MRC) PROGRAZE manual, and that Corporation is currently developing more cartoons in the series for its Sustainable Grazing Systems Key Program. The cartoons have also been scanned onto disk and been provided to all teachers of pasture courses.
Implications
There is a clear requirement for further evaluation of the effectiveness of the cartoon associated extension messages in increasing farmers' understanding of the principles and resultant modified management on farm. Stakeholders should seek to implement further evaluation.
If it can be shown that cartoon associated extension messages modify
management on farm, then a management effort should go into disseminating
the full series of cartoons by the most effective routes. This could be:
· a creation of a week by week pasture manager/calender.
· further use via PROGRAZE/Beefcheque courses, etc.
RIRDC Project No: DAV-95A
RESEARCHER: Mr Leo Hamilton
ORGANISATION: Dept of Natural Resources and Environment,
PO Box 483, BAIRNSDALE VIC 3875
PHONE: 051 520 600 FAX: 051 526 865
COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF TRAINING COURSES TO SERVICE NEEDS IN RURAL EXTENSION
Objectives
· To improve access to new techniques and training in rural extension to better service the needs of rural communities, State extension services, agribusiness and other extension providers.
· To compile a comprehensive list of all post-graduate courses in Australia that are relevant to rural extension agencies.
· To assess the relevance and likely value of these courses to key competencies required to deliver rural extension in Australia.
Background
The nature, scope and importance of rural extension has changed in the past decade through: · a shift in extension focus by Government and growth of private sector extension; · need for a wider range of competencies that previously sufficed; and · increased research information yet slow rates of adoption.
Extension agencies, prospective students and clients confirmed an urgent need for access to new extension techniques and training but had limited knowledge of what services were available.
Research
Detailed course information was obtained from all institutes in Australia and New Zealand offering post-graduate training in rural extension. Key competencies for rural extension were formulated from a literature review and consultation with extension agencies, clients, practitioners and training providers.
Evaluation of courses at the five main institutes in Australia providing post-graduate rural extension training was undertaken by interview with course co-ordinators, current students and major extension employers, and by survey of recent course graduates.
Outcomes
Courses varied in training emphasis relative to key competencies, course objectives and planning procedures. Two courses were new and one was being restructured. Extension employers and students had difficulty comparing courses and generally chose subjectively. Graduates and students expressed general satisfaction with courses in terms of job and personal benefits. Employers considered that no course was entirely suitable in addressing all key competencies and courses were least effective in the economic and marketing aspects of extension.
Implications
The project provides opportunity for:
· More informed selection of Post-Graduate Rural Extension Training Courses to meet needs of employers, prospective students and clients.
· Utilisation of new learning technologies, evaluation processes, market research and course portability agreements to enhance quality of training, particularly in the key competency areas.
· Adoption of professional job standards utilising the defined key competencies.
RIRDC Project No: PTP-2A
| RESEARCHERS: ORGANISATION: PHONE: |
Mr Arthur Stubbs & Dr Peter Mullany Primary Tasks Pty Ltd Unit 58, Second Floor Carlton Clocktower Complex VIC Institute of Animal Science 247 Drummond Street CARTON VIC 3053
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Mr Warren Shaw Agriculture Victoria 475 Mickleham Road ATTWOOD VIC 3049
03 9217 4299 |
NETWORKING SYSTEMS FOR RURAL WOMEN
Objectives
· To evaluate networking systems for rural women in Australia and overseas.
· To assess their benefits not only to rural women but also to rural industry organisations.
· To produce sets of suggested strategies which could enhance the effectiveness of rural women's networks and assist rural organisations to increase women's participation in those organisations.
Background
The formation of networks by and for rural women was found to be a global phenomenon which has gathered momentum since the 1970's. This movement is largely an expression of desire of women in agriculture for recognition and visibility and for a greater role in decision making, but it is not confined to agricultural interests. The rural women's networking movement also encompasses the diversity evident in rural womens lives, and address a wide range of issues.
Research
The project was a piece of qualitative research which included participate case studies to two rural women's networks in Queensland: the Dairy Women's Network, and Queensland Rural Women's Network Inc.
Outcomes
Rural women's networks provide many advantages for individual participants, but their greater overall benefit lies in their capacity to promote the broader social movement for change in the status of women.
The distinctive features of some of the networking models are identified and evaluated. Crucial issues are the relationship between community-based rural women's organisations and initiatives and government, and the politics of identity. An over-riding problem is the generation of funding to maintain networks. Given these issues, the networking of diverse rural women's groups by a special unit in an appropriate government department appears to be a very good model.
To be effective, proposed strategies for enhancing rural women's networks need to be contextually specific. Two sets of strategies, appropriate for two different kinds of networks, were produced and evaluated by the case study participants.
Levels of participation by women in producer organisations were found to be low. A number of positive signs which point towards change in the direction of a better gender balance were noted. These include: · goodwill towards women's greater involvement and active promotion of greater gender equity by some senior personnel: · the presence of some women in both elected positions and senior staff positions who encourage other women and serve as role models and mentors; and · a convergence of interests between women and some producer organisations on the issue of promoting the sustainability of family farming as a mode of agricultural production.
The main benefits of rural women's networks to rural industry organisations were seen to be that: · they encourage women in agriculture to identify as farmers and to take more active roles in family farming businesses; · they provide contexts within which a shared, woman-centred, more holistic vision of rural issues is progressively being developed and articulated. This vision integrates health and wellbeing, community development and agricultural sustainability, and could be a source of innovative solutions to pressing problems.
Implications
The present time is seen to be a very interesting one for rural women and potentially, for established rural industry organisations. The developments outlined above present both challenges and opportunities for both. However, the potential for the rural women's movement to contribute positively to the management of change in rural communities will not be realised without a willingness by both men and women to accept cultural as well as structural changes. Such changes are not easy to achieve, and will require time for negotiation and adjustment at personal as well as organisational levels.
RIRDC Project No: QUT-4A
RESEARCHER: Dr Margaret Grace
ORGANISATION: Centre for Policy and Leadership Studies in Education, Queensland
University of Technology, Locked Bag No.2,
RED HILL QLD 4059
PHONE: 07 3864 2192 FAX: 07 3864 1813
EDUCATION NEEDS FOR RURAL MERCHANTS
Objective
· To review and report on the existing information relating to the education available to rural merchants to support enhanced transfer of agricultural technology to primary producers.
Background
Rural merchants are becoming an increasingly important source of technical information for farmers. With the reduction over recent years of the public sector advisory services, there is even more need for rural merchants to be familiar with a wide spectrum of contemporary agricultural technology relevant to their customers. This survey sought to undertake an audit of the training currently available to this sector with a view to develop an industry-accepted education plan for rural merchants.
Research
The study undertook a desk survey of existing published information relating to training available to the rural merchant sector and also a telephone survey of key stakeholders to describe the current situation with regard to training opportunities available.
Outcomes
There are some 4,000 rural merchant staff Australia-wide. Among those surveyed there was strong agreement that appropriate technical training should be made available to the rural merchant sector so as to fill an advisory vacuum being left with the contraction of traditional public sector advisory services.
It was acknowledged that the rural sector is diverse requiring access to a wide range of training subjects, although there was no clear definition of core subjects that most merchants should undertake.
There are no existing industry-wide competency standards for this sector and little structured training available. Much of the training is informal in nature and does not lead to accreditation for demonstrated competence.
There is a need for a comprehensive training needs analysis to lay the foundation for the development of an education plan for the rural merchants sector. There appear to be no competitive constraints to the establishment of an industry-wide training initiative.
RIRDC Project No: RJH-1A
RESEARCHER: Dr R J Hannam
ORGANISATION: R J Hannam & Co (Agricultural Technology & Business
Services)
PO Box 587, MAGILL SA 5072
PHONE: 08 8361 8588 FAX: 08 8361 8588
DEVELOPING A COMPUTER BASED LEARNING (CBL) PILOT PROJECT FOR THE DELIVERY OF HOLISTIC ACCOUNTING CONCEPTS
Objective
· To develop and evaluate a computer-based learning program that would demonstrate to rural managers and potential rural managers, the fundamental inter-relationships between the various components in their accounting systems.
Background
According to Bradfield (1993) the major drawback of commercial computer accounting packages is that they are sophisticated accounting packages designed to teach the underlaying concepts and linkages between the various accounting components. Traditional learning techniques of lectures and text books attempt to cover these concepts but not always effectively. It was hypothesised that Computer-based Learning (CBL) may be a more successful technique to use. This project therefore investigates how a CBL program may teach these concepts more effectively.
Research
Using 'authoring' software a computer-based learning program was developed covering the accounting linkages material referred to. The program content focuses on the pedagogical use of the computer to improve the user's conceptual understanding. It uses interactive instructional sequences, animation, and graphic images to present a learning environment that is motivating and dynamic and able to demonstrate concepts in a way impossible using print based materials.
The program was evaluated by accounting lecturers and students at Orange Agricultural College using a questionnaire, plus pre and post tests of users' knowledge on the accounting concepts.
Outcomes
Survey results were very favourable in all aspects of the program. The pre-to post test results between a control group of students and CBL students showed a significant improvement in learning using the CBL method. Student numbers were however small in this pilot project and further evaluation is desirable to confirm these initial findings.
Implications
The existing program will be used in formal teaching programs at Orange Agricultural College, The University of Sydney, in 1997 and this will enable more evaluation data to be collated. The apparent advantages of this mode of learning indicate that further work on similar, and other topics is desirable. The advantages offered by CBL in enabling remotely located rural users to utilise technology based learning are also worthy of serious consideration and research.
RIRDC Project No: US-32A
RESEARCHER: Stephan Wedd
ORGANISATION: Orange Agricultural College, The University of Sydney, PO
Box 883, ORANGE NSW 2800
PHONE: 063 605 666 FAX: 063 605 590
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN LAND MANAGEMENT EXTENSION, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Objectives
· To analyse the current and potential roles of community participation in land management extension, research and development.
· To examine the extent to which community participation is complemented by existing policy instruments and institutional arrangements.
· To develop analytical techniques for evaluating the potential of and for land user involvement in land management extension, research and development, from an agricultural knowledge systems perspective.
· To explore the implications of the concept of sustainability for agricultural institutions engaged in research, extension, education, and policy development.
· To develop a planning and policy framework for community participation in land management extension, research and development.
Background
The last decade has seen a revolution in the way in which land management extension, research and development occurs in Australia, characterised by the emergence and evolution of the landcare movement in response to growing community concerns about complex and widespread resource degradation issues. Landcare now involves about one-third of Australian farming families. Central to the difference between landcare and previous approaches has been the development of stakeholder participation as a key operational principle.
Research
This project has examined the concepts of sustainability and stakeholder participation through an extensive analysis of the literature in Australia and internationally, and an analysis of empirical experience in radically different policy contexts in Australia and France. It is conceptually unsound to attempt to define sustainability in absolute terms, so content and process principles for improving sustainability were derived. Limits to, and conditions for the effective use of participatory approaches were explored. Thus two templates were developed, a sustainability template, and a participatory template to use as analytical instruments in examining relevant Australian policies, programs and processes. This work continues.
Implications
Participatory approaches are a necessary, but insufficient condition for progressing rural sustainability, complementary policy and institutional changes are required. There has as yet been no substantive dialogue or mutually agreed understanding between Australian governments and rural communities as to what sustainability means, and hence how progress towards it might be measured.
The lack of agreed performance measures, or interim 'surrogates for sustainability' means that the impacts of landcare have not been adequately measured, and the level of public investment has not been satisfactorily justified in an era of accountability. Widespread use of participatory approaches without a shared understanding of their limitations is leading to immense frustration as communities confront problems of great scale and complexity, without commensurate resources or policy support.
Greater clarity and understanding of the dimensions of sustainability and the role of participatory approaches among policy makers and other relevant stakeholders would focus the use of such approaches to situations in which they are most likely to be effective, and would result in greater effort being given to other more appropriate approaches elsewhere.
RIRDC Project No: CBL-1A
RESEARCHER Mr Andrew Campbell
ORGANISATION: C/- CRES, ANU ACT 0200
PHONE: 03 9344 71722 FAX: 03 9344 5570 or 02 6249 0757
EMAIL adnrew.campbell@dest.gov.au
EVALUATION OF TRAINING ACTIVITIES TO IMPROVE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SKILLS OF FARM FAMILIES
Objectives
· To evaluate the success of a series of farm business management workshops in Central Queensland.
· To improve the effectiveness of future workshops and training activities.
· To provide a model for improving the farm business management skills of producer management teams.
· To provide evidence of the contribution of computer based approaches can make in agricultural extension.
Background
The Queensland Department of Primary Industries has been conducting training in farm business management in Central Queensland for approximately seven years. The basic course introduces participants to computerised cash record keeping and analysis using the software package, Quicken. A follow-up course focused on Decision Support using spreadsheets. Attendances have been high despite a significant charge and a recession in farming incomes, and most attendees have been attracted by word of mouth.
Research
The research approach consisted of four steps: · preliminary study of questionnaires completed at the conclusion of the training workshops; · personal interviews with attendees and non-attendees at Quicken workshops; · a second interview with the same sample to reconstruct their recent decision making process; and · a final survey by personal and telephone interview to assess longer term impact of farm business management training.
Outcomes
Producers can be assisted through training to take up the use of computers and computer based cashbook systems. Computerised cashbook systems provide the opportunity to compare enterprises for the first time. No evidence was found that this type of comparison is being used in major decision making processes to date, by workshop attendees or others in the Central Queensland farming population.
There is evidence that the division of responsibilities in farm management teams (between maintaining a cash book and analysing and making decisions, largely on a gender basis) may contribute to the non-use of financial information in decision making.
Physical record keeping is lagging behind financial record keeping. Producers cannot envisage how their management could be improved. They perceive it depends on personality and on improving physical production.
Implications
The research indicates that the workshops were successful in impacting on farm business management skills. The awareness and attendance of the courses in the rural population, adoption rates of computerised packages, competency in the skills taught at the workshops, impact of the workshops on improving management skills such as record keeping and decision making, and benefits to teamwork within the management unit were all reported and provide evidence that the workshops were successful.
RIRDC Project No: DAQ-123A
RESEARCHERS: J Daniels & Dr E Woods
ORGANISATION: Department of Primary Industries,
GPO Box 46, BRISBANE QLD 4001
PHONE: 07 3239 3214 FAX: 07 3239 3379
BENCHMARKING FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF AUSTRALIAN BROADACRE AGRICULTURE - UPDATE
Objectives
To provide a rational framework by which to assess the Australian agricultural sector.
Specifically to:
· evaluate the financial and operational characteristics of agriculture;
· investigate the attractiveness of investing in agriculture;
· identify the impediments to capital flow into agriculture; and
· assess the need for structural adjustment in agriculture and the processes required to achieve it.
Background
This analysis provides a starting point from which to examine and develop innovative ideas on how to overcome capital and equity problems in agriculture. This report, which was requested specifically to assist in the review of the Rural Adjustment Scheme, should be used as a basis from which to develop creative solutions for the problems of financing Australian agriculture.
Research
The study's methodology involved the collection and collation of data; analysis, comparison and interpretation; and review and discussion.
The data were arranged to reveal the performance and financial characteristics of each investment alternative. Consistency was maintained to make the data comparable. Standard practices used by the financial markets were used to analyse the investment attractiveness of the agriculture sector.
In addition, to examine the investment attractiveness of agriculture, the sector's performance was measured against the performance of the Australian stock market, overseas stock markets, risk-free fixed interest government securities, short-term bills and notes and property.
Outcomes
The aggregated broadacre agricultural industry has not improved its financial performance over the past three years. The poor financial performance of the smallest 50 percent of farms (by revenue) drags down the sector's average returns, therefore giving the impression that the returns for the sector are unattractive. Substantial economies of scale exist in the capital utilisation within broadacre agriculture. Capital utilisation strongly affects the profitability of broadacre agriculture.
The best performers offer attractive returns on investment when compared with alternative investment options. These returns are comparable on the risk-return profile.
Farming cash economy, tax incentives, welfare programs, insufficient alternative skills and lifestyle factors provide incentives for poor performing farmers to continue in the industry. Welfare programs only help perpetuate rather than alleviate the pain of farmers. The valuation of farm properties on the basis of market value and historical cost, as well as high exit costs in terms of capital equipment write-downs, prevent optimal decision making and the efficient use of resources.
Middle level performers are unable to access equity from capital markets to fund growth to improve profitability. There are many impediments to the capital markets investing equity in broadacre agriculture. These obstacles include the culture and attitudes of both farmers and investors, the lack of information in the markets about the performance of agriculture, lack of transparency between management and ownership and the illiquidity of investments.
Implications
This report was used by the Review Committee of the Rural Adjustment Scheme. Because the necessary measures to achieve financial efficiency in the industry could be regarded as drastic in terms of their social impact and could impinge on individual liberties, the authors believe that the government can only play a limited role. It is up to the industry's leaders and the farming community to develop and take ownership of a vision for agriculture and to make it a profitable and competitive industry.
RIRDC Project No: AAS-2AJ
RESEARCHER: Ken Waldron
ORGANISATION: Australasian Agribusiness Services Pty Ltd,
PO Box 5082 HAWTHORN VIC 3122
PHONE: 03 9815 1055 FAX: 03 9815 1058
USING WESTERN TEA TREE FOR SALTLAND REHABILITATION
Objectives
· To develop a new and innovative approach to reversing the processes of salination. The concept was to plant saline areas with extremely salt tolerant Australian native plants of the genus Melaleuca. Such plants can live under harsh conditions, are deep rooted and some representatives are the most salt tolerant members of the family Myrtaceae.
· To generate a new farm income source from otherwise useless agricultural land whilst rehabilitating the land and reversing the process of salination.
· To involve rural-based students, particularly for those studying science and technology, to engender a greater appreciation of the benefits of higher technical education, and thus result in increased retention past compulsory school years.
Background
Salination of farmland is one of the most serious environmental issues facing Australia at present. The problem is particularly evident in Western Australia where it is estimated that some 12,000 previously fertile hectares are lost each year.
The process of salination arises because native vegetation is cleared and replaced with pasture and grasses. The deep-rooted Australian flora previously kept water tables well below the surface. Once removed, water tables rise, carrying with them the ancient salt deposits which seep to the surface, reducing the fertility of already poor soils. The agricultural productivity of the cleared land is then lost.
Research
The practical aspects of the project involved the collection of Melaleuca species which were endemic to the Esperance area, and examining the amount and composition of essential oils they contained. This required the development of steam distillation methods for extraction, and thin layer and gas chromatography techniques for analyses.
Selected species known to contain valuable essential oils were propagated from seed and from cuttings, and this material was used for a number of trials. Some plants were kept in a greenhouse and treated with increasing concentrations of salt to determine their salt tolerance, while others were sampled throughout the year to determine the monthly variation in essential oil yield and composition.
Additional species were collected which hitherto had not been brought into cultivation. One species was identified which is not only extremely salt tolerant (growing naturally in areas inundated by peak ocean tides), but also contains high amounts of the valuable terpene-4-ol, the active principle of tea tree oil.
The research work undertaken developed propagation techniques suitable for the large scale production of clonal Melaleuca from identified superior oil yielding individuals. The extensive screening of local Melaleucas failed to identify any with both high oil yields and high terpene-4-ol content, although some were identified with high yields of cineol type oils.
Outcomes
Four species known to contain high levels of terpene-4-ol which were not native to the Esperance area were planted at field sites during the three winter periods during the study. Although three species grew well in very high salt soil, the area experienced flooding in the first year, then had two years of extreme drought. The plantings died completely at one site during the last summer, but surprisingly have survived at two of the drier sites. The trial data provided very encouraging signs that Melaleuca has the required phenotypic properties for saltland rehabilitation, being high salt tolerance, and some ability to withstand hot, dry summers.
In terms of its educational and extension objectives, the project has been an outstanding success. A large number of students have been directly involved in the research and retention in senior science has improved markedly. The project is now part of the local Landcare scene, and the Department of Conservation and Land Management is directly collaborating with Bioscience and the Esperance Senior High School to integrate the use of Melaleuca into their recommended strategies to farmers for saltland rehabilitation.
The project became a part of the standard curriculum for the agriculture and science streams at Esperance Senior High School and has the complete support of the school board. Teacher time spent on the project is now directly funded by the WA Ministry of Education. The equipment provided by the RIRDC grant to the school will remain useful to the project and the school for many years to come.
RIRDC Project No: BIL-1A
RESEARCHER: Dr Peter Keating
ORGANISATION: Bioscience Pty Ltd, 21 Clieveden Street,
NORTH PERTH WA 6006
PHONE: 09 444 4646 FAX: 09 444 4721
AGSA 2000 SUSTAINABLE AGRIBUSINESS - FEASIBILITY STUDY
Objective
· To determine the most cost effective strategies for providing information to the South Australian farming community through electronic technologies and to demonstrate the use of such technologies.
Background
The AgSA 2000 project aims to actively assist the transfer of technology to the farming community in order to provide SA primary producers with access to timely and accurate information and thereby assist in achieving and maintaining sustainable economic development and international competitiveness for the SA farming community.
Research
The research was carried out by Electronic Trading Concepts Pty Ltd (ETC), partnered by the Monash University Centre for Electronic Commerce and the Monash University Agribusiness Research unit.
The project was broken into the following stages: initiation, community consultation and information gathering - included focus group meetings and a farmer survey, information synthesis and draft report preparation, workshopping and obtaining AgSA feedback, and preparation and presentation of final report.
Outcomes
The following major recommendations were made by the report: · Provide an approach which seeks to maximise the usage of electronic means of collecting and analysing data, but provides for delivery to the users in a form (media) which is most accessible to the user. · Initiate the formation of a community body composed of primary producers, agribusiness, government agencies, providers of electronic information content and access services. · Seek to bring about the coordination of state, commonwealth and local government as well as key industry sector regional networking requirements and initiatives in order to maximise the volume of demand and hence influence over the delivery of the telecommunications services and Internet access for rural SA. · Seek to leverage benefits for the agricultural communities from state and commonwealth regional electronic services delivery projects in particular the SA Government's Electronic Business project. · Appoint a Venue Manager to coordinate the provision of a single logical (virtual) information access point which bring together the content and services which are most attractive to the community, and seeks to ensure delivery via the means preferred by the community.
Implications
The AgSA 2000 partners have been faced with the major finding that "primary producers consider that their information needs are being adequately addressed by current sources". Despite this finding, it is recognised that the changeover to obtaining information electronically will not only happen, but will probably happen relatively fast.
While all organisations involved are preparing for this changeover by either developing the electronic information and by informing and training their farmer members, there is no clear consensus of the best approach to take. The ETC suggestion of the Information intermediary Concept for South Australian Primary Producers and the venue "structure" has been discussed but no final decision has been made.
RIRDC Project No: ABS-1A
RESEARCHER: Ken Schuster
ORGANISATION: ETC Pty Ltd, PO Box Q311 QVB SYDNEY 2000 PHONE: 02 9299 4755
FAX: 02 9299 4544
EMAIL info@etc.com.au
SUSTAINING AGRI-INDUSTRY: VALUING THE ENVIRONMENT WORKSHOP
Objectives
· To critically examine the principles for sustainability established in 1991 by the Standing Committee on Agriculture Working Group on Sustainable Agriculture and identify any changes which were needed to reflect the changing environment in which agri-industry operates.
· To develop a series of action plans on an occupational or agri-industry sector basis to accelerate the implementation of the principles of sustainability as defined, or redefined, by the critical examination of the principles.
Background
The `Sustaining Agri-industry - Valuing the Environment' Workshop followed a day during which conference participants were presented with a range of opinions from speakers on individual, enterprise and institutional responsibility for sustaining agri-industry and the use of education, legislation and market forces to inculcate a sustainability culture.
Outcomes
The AIAS undertook to implement the following actions as a result of the workshop: · Publish and distribute the conference and workshop proceedings and workshop report. · Refer the workshop report to the AIAS Natural Resources and Human Resources Chapters to be used as a basis for development of AIAS environmental and sustainability policy and to review AIAS education and training policy. · Provide the workshop report as input to the review of the Standards for Professionals in Agriculture and Agri-industry which commences in January 1997. · Develop and publish a revised definition and principles of sustainable agriculture reflecting the workshop conclusions for general distribution and use in the industry. · Include the revised definition and principles of sustainability in the AIAS Code of Ethics.
RIRDC Project No: AIA-6A
RESEARCHER: Simon Field
ORGANISATION: The Australian Institute of Agricultural Science, 1st floor
91 Rathdowne Street, CARLTON VIC 3053
PHONE: 03 9662 1077 FAX: 03 9662 2727
EMAIL: aias@peg.apc.org
INTERNET OPPORTUNITIES FOR AGRICULTURAL PROFESSIONALS
Objective
· To make the private and public sector more aware of how the Internet can help agricultural professionals to service rural Australia.
Background
Internet usage, including by primary producers, has boomed in recent years and the information available on it has blossomed.
Outcomes
The forum enabled the participants to establish action plans for the future use of the Internet in the Agri-industry, with delegates pledging to work together and lobby government for a freely accessible use of the Internet and other multi-media technology nationally.
RIRDC Project No: AIA-7A
RESEARCHER: Sue Leitinger
ORGANISATION: The Australian Institute of Agricultural Science, 1st floor
91 Rathdowne Street, CARLTON VIC 3053
PHONE: 03 9662 1077 FAX: 03 9662 2727
EMAIL: aias@peg.apc.org
ONLINE CONTENT FOR AUSTRALIAN FARMERS
Objective
· To undertake a content analysis of existing World Wide Web sites for Australian farm businesses.
Background
The World Wide Web has developed rapidly in an anarchic manner. Many organisations are using the medium to provide information to stakeholders, but in an uncoordinated manner creating problems of information overload while leaving significant gaps in information availability.
Research
206 Australian World Wide Web sites were identified as being of direct relevant to Australian farm businesses. These sites were subjected to a content analysis on their accessibility, navigability, presentation, range and depth of content, and interactivity.
Outcomes
The art of Web publishing has come a long way in a short time. More sites displayed acceptable levels of accessibility, navigability and presentation. A minority of sites, however, displayed problems in one or more of these areas, particularly for users with poor communication links. Limited opportunities for interactivity were provided.
The 206 sites collectively provide a great deal of content to Australian farm businesses. Some gaps, however remain, particularly in pricing and marketing information, and particularly in relation to the cropping industries.
Implications
The future development of the World Wide Web depends on content providers attracting users to their sites through the provision of useful information and interactivity opportunities in an accessible manner tailored to the needs of users. By pointing to some of the ways of achieving this, the project will assist in promoting the development of the Web as a communications and information tool for Australian farmers.
RIRDC Project No: GRO-2A
| RESEARCHER:
PHONE: |
Mr Jim Groves Baradel Consulting 82 Cypress Dr BROADBEACH WATERS QLD 4218 07 5526 9698 |
Ms Jenny Da Rin PO Box 2293 TUGGERANONG ACT 2901
|
PUBLICATIONS: J. Da Rin and J. Groves, (1996), What's On the Web Now for Australian Farmers? RIRDC, Canberra.
IMPACT OF LIABILITY LAW ON RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
Objectives
· To examine the theoretical reasons why product liability law can affect innovation.
· To assess the potential in Australia for product liability law to affect innovation - in particular, the impact on the dissemination of information by the research and development corporations.
Background
Product liability law has evolved over the last 50 years to protect the consumer against producer negligence or misconduct. In the United States over recent years, there seems to have been a marked switch from 'buyer beware' to 'seller beware' and the trend in Australia appears to be in the same direction. There is a great deal of rhetoric and some anecdotal evidence to suggest that the balance has swung too far and that innovation (and therefore economic growth) is being stifled by fears of litigation.
Research and development corporations are spending more on legal advice and the development of contracts to minimise their exposure to liability. They are also increasing their insurance cover in response to legal actions against some of the research institutions in Australia. Yet the legal liability of the research and development corporations has not been tested and strategies for coping with liability provisions have not been developed.
Research
The research explores the theoretical relationship between product liability law (legislation and legal precedent) and innovation. While product liability might discourage innovation, it can also be promoted by the existence of legal liability (mainly in the area of safety). The extent and allocation of liability provisions would affect both the extent and kind of innovation. Products may be less likely to reach the development phase if there are doubts about safety. Information at the basic research level is less likely to be affected by liability, but applied knowledge (and advice) is fully subject to liability law and so quantity and composition would be affected.
Evidence on the impact of product liability law on innovation is scarce. In the United States there is some evidence that high liability industries have reduced innovation as their liability has increased. But research and development corporation activity appears to increase with increased liability for relatively low liability risk industries.
Interviews were conducted with six organisations to assess the impact of liability law on the organisation. While most representatives of the organisations considered that innovation had not been compromised, all were aware of liability and had altered their behaviour in some way - for example, increasing insurance, seeking legal advice, avoiding certain 'high risk' research topics and emphasising the importance of testing.
Implications
There is insufficient statistical evidence to draw any robust conclusions about the impact of product liability law on innovation in Australia. However, it is clearly an issue that is changing the behaviour of both management and researchers in some, if not all, of the research and development corporations.
In view of the budget constraints facing the research and development corporations, more money spent on reducing exposure to liability risk means less on research and development. The rising cost of liability - in terms of transaction costs and possibly less innovation - is sufficiently established for government to pay attention to assessing the potential size of the problem and developing strategies to minimise the cost of the law.
RIRDC Project No: CIE-1A
RESEARCHERS: Mr John Asker, Dr Jenny Gordon
ORGANISATION: Centre for International Economics,
GPO Box 2203 CANBERRA ACT 2611
PHONE: 02 6248 6699 FAX: 02 6247 7484
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COMPETENCIES OF FARMERS AND FARM MANAGEMENT
Objectives
· To determine adequate operational definitions of farmer education and good farm management.
· To describe the nature and sources of farmer education.
· To comment on any initial findings regarding the relationship between farmer education and good farm management.
· To establish a framework for a comprehensive and subsequent investigation into the relationship between farmer education and good farm management.
Background
Concerns that many Australian farms may not be viable in the long term have been linked to the view that the level of farmers' education and training and their expertise in farm management may be inadequate. Research undertaken in some developing countries pointed to a link between levels of education and agricultural output but this did not appear to have been researched in any depth in Australia. There also appeared to be a lack of a clear definition of what constitutes good farm management though there had been some work undertaken on identifying farm management competencies.
Research
There were two components to the research: a comprehensive literature review and a small pilot study of selected farmers in the Coolamon area. The former reviewed the characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of farmer education in Australia, its links with agricultural productivity, farm management as an academic discipline and as a vocation, as well as farm management competencies and competency-based training. The pilot study investigated the farmers' previous learning experiences and current approaches to learning as well as their views on what constitutes good farm management.
Outcomes
The literature review and pilot study indicates that Australian farmers are better educated than the statistics on their formal education imply. Much of their education is obtained by informal means and these are described in some detail. Farmers' learning styles and preferences are also identified. Definitions of what constitutes good farm management are outlined and a comprehensive listing made of the competencies considered essential for good farm management. Twenty recommendations are listed.
Implications
There are implications for organisations involved in providing farmer education and training as well as disseminating information in relation to farmers' learning styles and preferred approaches to learning. There are also policy implications for government in areas such as improving farm viability, rural structural adjustment and regional economic development. In addition there are implications for further research outlined in the recommendations.
RIRDC Project No: UCS-6A
RESEARCHERS: Associate Professor Geoff Bamberry, Mr Tony Dunn, Mrs
Annette Lamont.
ORGANISATION: Charles Sturt University - Riverina, PO Box 588, WAGGA WAGGA
NSW 2650
PHONE: 069 33 2490 FAX: 069 33 2930
EMAIL: gbamberry@csu.edu.au.
PUBLICATIONS:
Johnson, B., Bone, Z., & Knight, C., (1996). Farmers and Learning:
Attitudes to Learning, Tertiary Education and Recognition of Prior Learning,
DEETYA and Orange Agricultural College, Orange.
Kilpatrick, S., (1996). Change, Training and Farm Profitability, National Focus, Vol. 10 (November), National Farmers' Federation.
Kerby, J., (1994). Information and Communication in the 1990s - A Survey of South Australian Farmers, Technical Report No. 221, Primary Industries, South Australia.
THE RETURNS TO AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURE FROM R&D ACTIVITIES
Objectives
To improve the allocation of public research and extension resources in Australian agriculture by making more accessible to research administrators and industry leaders the findings of research into:
· the contribution of R&D to productivity growth;
· the distribution of the benefits of such productivity growth between producers, processors and consumers; and
· the implications for rural research of the changing role of the public sector.
Background
The role of the public sector in R&D in Australian agriculture has recently been reviewed at the Commonwealth level by the Industries Commission and there have been ongoing reviews of many research institutions such as CSIRO and the State Departments. National Competition Policy is also likely to have implications for how public research institutions, the RDCs and private research providers operate in the future.
There is also an extensive body of economics research into the performance of the public research sector and into the extent to which producers, processors and consumers share in the benefits from new technologies in the production and processing of farm commodities. The findings of these reviews and research has been neither well integrated nor presented in a form that is accessible to non-economists.
Outcomes
A RIRDC research report was released mid '97 which presents to research administrators and industry leaders important findings about the performance of and the changing role of the public research sector in an integrated and non-technical way. This publication may form the basis of a series of workshops for research administrators and industry leaders.
Implications
While public investment in broadacre agriculture has been a good investment, the role of the public sector is likely to continue to change. Public research institutions are likely to focus more on research that has implications for the broader community and industry, through the RDCs, and will be expected to fund a larger proportion of the research with a narrow industry focus. The research sector is likely to become more competitive and diverse as the public sector prices its services in a competitively neutral way and makes some public funds contestable with the private sector.
RIRDC Project No: DAN-92A
RESEARCHER: Dr. John Mullen
ORGANISATION: NSW Agriculture, Locked Bag 21,
ORANGE NSW 2800
PHONE: 063 913608 FAX: 063 913650
PUBLICATIONS: RIRDC Research Paper 97/8 (1997), Returns to Agriculture from Public Research between 1953 and 1994.
Objective
· To identify strategic options for the development, delivery and use of an effective electronic information systems infrastructure for rural Australia.
Background
Businesses and consumers are discovering the power of the Internet for rapid and economical communication and access to information, resulting in a new phase of the development of the information economy. Australia's rural and remote communities, and the agricultural and pastoral businesses located within them, stand to benefit from a rapidly growing rural information services industry.
These developments are, however, constrained by the capability of the telecommunications network to carry such services effectively and at acceptable cost, and the ability of service providers to deliver relevant information at the right price.
Research
This project examines these constraints and what must be done to overcome them.
Outcomes
The report provided 10 detailed recommendations on a strategy. The major elements included:
· A realistic view of the longer economic life of some rural telecommunications investments, resulting in more competitive internal rates of return and hence a case for an adequate share of infrastructure investment. Such investment to include acceleration of the program for digitising telephone exchanges, to deploy broadbance functionality to provincial and rural towns contemporaneously with the cities, and in upgrading the quality of much of the customer access network.
· Telecommunications tariff reform, particularly the abolition of distance-based chargers.
· An upgrade of the basic telephone service in the universal service obligation arrangements to a basic telecommunications service capable of supporting fax and data services by dial-up modem, making these services available at a reasonable cost to all rural and remote households and businesses who want them, to be implemented within two years using a variety of platforms to achieve lowest cost.
· To the extent that funding some of these investments can be shown to be a loss-making proposition, then the Government establish a Universal Telecommunications Service Fund, with a levy on all network services.
· Government contracting of Internet service providers that have an orientation towards rural markets to develop and deliver training and support services on the use of the Internet.
· Governments should collaborate to aggregate demand of government information providers aimed at rural and remote clients so assisting content and service provision.
Implications
As the Internet paradigm shift works its way through many industries, a strategy for upgrading rural communications infrastructure is necessary if access to the rapidly developing array of communication and information services available on the Internet is to be available to all Australians.
RIRDC Project No: Consultancy
RESEARCHER: Dr Roger Buckeridge
ORGANISATION: Myamyn Pty Ltd, 40 John St, WOOLLAHRA NSW 2025 PHONE: 02
362 4796 FAX: 02 362 0726
PUBLICATIONS: R. Buckeridge, (1996), Rural Australia Online. Jointly published by 7 R&D Corporations. Available from RIRDC for $20 + $4 postage.
POLICY ISSUES IN PUTTING RURAL AUSTRALIA ONLINE
Objective
· To provide a balanced discussion of the policy issues raised by the major report on rural communications infrastructure, Rural Australia Online.
Background
Rural Australia Online provided ten detailed recommendations on a strategy for the development of rural communications infrastructure to ensure all Australians have access to the rapidly developing communication and information services becoming available through the Internet. The policy issue raised by that recommended strategy is whether the benefits of the strategy would exceed its costs.
Research
This project discussed the various benefits that would be provided by improved Internet access among farmers, particularly those benefits that go beyond farm families themselves and accrue to wider society, and so would justify policy intervention to ensure farm families are able to gain Internet access.
Outcomes
These benefits include: · improved communications capabilities. · improved ecological sustainability of agricultural production from better access to landcare and related information. · improved economic performance of the agriculture sector arising from greater access to a range of technical, economic and environmental information sources. · improved access to education and training for farm families. · easier accessibility of government information at low costs.
Implications
While a full cost-benefit analysis of the question of upgrading the universal service obligation to allow Internet access has not been undertaken, and probably cannot be undertaken in a comprehensive and hence convincing manner, there are substantial benefits from such an upgrade accruing both to farm families and to the broader society. It would appear that these benefits are such as to provide at least as much justification for an upgraded universal service obligation as exists for the present obligation on voice telecommunications.
RIRDC Project No: GRO-1A
RESEARCHER: Mr Jim Groves
ORGANISATIONS: Baradel Consulting, 82 Cypress Dr,
BROADBEACH WATERS QLD 4218
PHONE: 07 5526 9698 FAX: 07 5526 9685
EMAIL: grovesc@winshop.com.au
PUBLICATIONS: J. Groves, (1996), Policy Issues in Putting Rural Australia Online. Jointly published by 7 R&D Corporations. Available from RIRDC for $10 + $4 postage.
ANALYSIS OF PLANT ADAPTION DATA-DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING UNIT
Objective
· To further develop analytical methodology for the analysis of data from agricultural experiments in which genotype response across environments is measured, and
· To disseminate this technology so it is adopted expeditiously in Australian plant improvement programs
Background
Organic developments in the analytical procedures available to plant improvers to obtain and interpret genotypic response include advanced experimental designs to estimate trend. in experimental fields ant new methodology to enable efficient and effective analysis and interpretation of the data collected from such trials. The Development and Training Unit set up by this project brought together much of the expertise in the analysis of plant adaptation data worldwide. Formal links with researchers at Leiden, Princeton and Cornell Universities had been established and continued collaboration enabled the mobilization and distribution of this technology to agricultural scientists in Australia.
Research
In phase I (funded by RIRDC), a research officer with biometrical end computer programming expertise we. appointed to update and extend the computer programs to include recent advances, especially methodology to handle genotype by environment by attribute data. In addition, special purpose computer programs collected by our group from around the world were integrated into easy-to-use software. This included both stand-alone material and add-on modules for use in commercial statistical packages. In phase 2 (funded by other RDCs), training in the analytical methodology and computer software was provided for biometricians and agricultural scientists involved in the conduct of and/or analysis of data from plant improvement trials. Those scientists who attended the workshops analysed and interpreted their own data and were able to take those skills (and computer software) back to their own R&D programs for further dissemination.
Outcomes
· Publication of reports either introducing new statistical methodology of documenting and illustrating the use of relevant computer programs for its implementation. · Publication of research papers from an international workshop on the analysis and exploitation of plant adaptation in agricultural crop improvement programs, and · Workshops to disseminate this technology (particularly to biometricians and plant breeders) for adoption in Australian plant improvement programs.
Implications
As a result of this work, appropriate analytical methodology can be adapted and integrated into almost every plant improvement program. Australian rural industries directly benefit by more effective decision making (by interpretation of the data collected from the trials involved in these programs), while the training component ensures that scientists have the skills and capacity to utilize these developments.
RIRDC Project No: UQ-35A
RESEARCHER: Assoc. Prof, CUE. Basford
ORGANISATION: Department of Agriculture, The University of Queensland BRISBANE
QLD 4072
PHONE: 07 3365 2810 FACSIMILE: 07 3365 1177
EMAIL: k.e.basford@uq.edu.au
PUBLICATIONS
Basford, K.E., Kroonenberg, P.M. and Cooper, M. (1996). Three-mode analytical
methods for crop improvement program. Plant Adaptation and Crop Improvement,
M. Cooper and G.L. Hammer (Eds.), Oxford: CAB International, pp. 291-305.
Basford K.E. and Watson, S.L. (1996a). MIXCLUS2: A program for fitting a mixture of normal distributions to two-mode two-way data. Centre for Statistics Research Report 70, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, lOpp.
Basford, K.E. and Watson, S.L. (1996b). MIXCLUS3: A program for fitting a mixture of normal distributions to three-mode three-way data. Centre for Statistics Research Report 71, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland.
Last updated: 22 October1997
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