Our Operations - back to menu Investment priorities for Program 2: emerging new industriesEssential Oils & Plant Extracts
improve understanding of markets Tea Tree Oil
improve existing products and develop new ones
develop sustainable production systems
facilitate regulatory approvals
improve post-harvest and extraction technology improve understanding of markets for tea tree oil Organic Produce
improve existing products and develop new ones
enhance the industrys ability to meet safety and efficacy standards
provide profitable and sustainable production systems
enhance the industrys human capital integrate industry and food standards Rare Natural Animal fibres
expand production and exports
enhance communication and technology transfer within the industry and with conventional agricultural systems increase efficiency of fibre production on a sustainable basis Wildflowers and Native Plants
enhance capability of industry stakeholders
develop classing and clip preparation standards
overcome limitations in processing and foster product development
enhance information transfer understand and develop markets Asian Foods
improve existing products and develop new ones
provide profitable and sustainable production systems
enhance the industrys human capital provide information for sustainable industry development Deer
develop new products
enhance quality and productivity
ensure safe use of chemicals
improve cool chain management increase production and processing capacity on a sustainable basis Agroforestry & Farm Forestry
enhance information transfer
develop products
expand markets develop strategies for widespread adoption of sustainable agroforestry Objective: To expedite the growth and development of emerging new rural and associated processing industries.
develop design principles for multi-purpose agroforestry systems to meet commercial and environmental objectives
develop new products from woody species in low to medium rainfall areas
develop extension and education toolsExpenditure in 200203: $4,626,052 Compared with 200102: $4,728,335
Objective: To foster the development of a viable Asian foods industry in Australia.
Expenditure in 200203: $520,288
Compared with 200102: $521,457Background
The value of Asian vegetable production in Australia is currently estimated at approximately $136 million, up from $50 million in 1993/94. Grower numbers total 1,675 up from 679 in 1993/94.Recently the domestic market has been an important driver of growth. Exports have also grown, but the share of production that is exported has declined over the past eight years as production has grown and competition from China, Vietnam and New Zealand has increased.
Opportunities for Asian food arise out of:
the rapidly growing markets in Asia for high quality food products as incomes in this region rise Increasing attention to industry development will be needed in the future, with greater emphasis on managing quality and the development of supply chains. Recognition of the Australian product as clean and green and the establishment of brands backed by reliable quality product are seen as keys to success in export markets.
the increasing Asian influence on cuisine in Australia
Australian producers ability to undertake high quality volume production and their ability to find niches that give them a competitive advantage to supply these marketsKey long term strategies
Industry development
support industry development through improved information, communication and development of supply chain and marketer networks Production systems
develop new products with good market opportunities provide troubleshooting solutions and enhance quality and productivity through research in production systems and plant physiology Post-harvest treatment and handling
ensure chemical use is safe for workers and consumers increase shelf life of fresh and semi-processed products Key outputs in 200203
improve cool chain management published a report reviewing the current situation in the Asian vegetables industry. The report indicates that the value of the industry has more than doubled since it was last audited in 1993-94 Some key performance indicators
published reports on Bitter Melon, Kabocha (Japanese Pumpkin) and Kailaan (Chinese Broccoli). These publications report on a series of trials held in various locations to determine site and variety specificity for optimal production
improved information available on communicating information to Asian vegetable growers of non-English speaking background through a pilot project involving a Communications Officer working with Vietnamese growers in the Northern Territory
published a report on the commercial outcomes of RIRDC Asian Foods projects. This report indicates there has been very limited progress in commercialisation, although a number of projects do not lend themselves to commercialisation because of the strong element of public good in them
released a report on improved management practices for culinary bamboo shoots
published a report on select markets for taro, sweet potato and yam. Achieved final trial shipment of taro to Japan through an associated R&D project
supported the production of Access to Asian Foods and Access to Asian Vegetables newsletters
held an annual meeting to improve communication between industry and researchers in Gosford covering presentations on taro, yam, yambean and sweet potato, anti-cancer properties of Asian brassicas, and adding value to Asian vegetables and wasabi number of active networks for each of the industries falling into the new, emerging and established categories This sub-program has its own five-year R&D plan, which is accessible in hardcopy and on the Internet at www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/asianfd5yr.htm
number of new products with high prospectivity identified
availability of production information
internal rates of return on development stage projects target is to exceed 25 per cent
information on appropriate use of chemicals for the main chemicals commonly used on Asian vegetables
optimal handling and packaging protocols available for the major Asian vegetablesPublications in 200203
SR/116 Bitter melon in Australia SR/117 Chinese broccoli SR/122 Asian vegetable industry a situation assessment 03/034 Communication with Asian non-English speaking background vegetable growers 02/168 Asian vegetable industry a situation assessment 03/052 Select markets for taro, sweet potato and yam 02/161 Chinese broccoli (kailaan) in southern Australia 02/153 Fumigation for improved quality of leafy Asian vegetables and herbs with 1-MCP 02/134 Bitter melon in Australia 02/129 Processed Asian foods projects commercial outcomes 02/062 Asian foods research in progress and completed projects for 2001/2002 Research Manager: Mr Tony Byrne
Phone: 02 6272 5472
Fax: 02 6272 5877
Email: tony.byrne@rirdc.gov.au
2.2 Agroforestry and Farm ForestryObjective: To integrate sustainable and productive agroforestry within Australian farming systems.
Expenditure in 200203: $2,219,410
Compared with 200102: $2,412,149Background
Agroforestry has the potential to improve agricultural productivity, diversify and increase farm income, conserve land, maintain biodiversity and contribute to the national timber supply.The Joint Venture Agroforestry Program (JVAP) was established in 1993 and now has four partners: RIRDC, Land & Water Australia (LWA) formerly the Land and Water Resources Research and Development Corporation, the Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Corporation (FWPRDC) and the Murray Darling Basin Commission (MDBC).
Funding is also provided for some activities by the Grains Research and Development Corporation, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia, and the Australian Greenhouse Office.
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.
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 chemical feedstocks.
Key long term strategies
address targeted strategies for the implementation of farm forestry, focusing on identifying impediments and opportunities and improving information flows Key outputs in 200203
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
Targeted strategies for implementation published a book on strategies for marketing farm tree products Sustainable use of natural resources
released quarterly farm forestry market reports published a report on irrigation management and groundwater uptake in young tree plantations Optimised productivity of crops and pastures
published a report on wood for alcohol fuels
researched a scoping study into banded agricultural systems for reduced recharge, reduced runoff and greater productivity published and launched the second in the Agroforestry Design Guideline Series- Trees for Shelter: A Guide to using Windbreaks on Australian Farms Optimised direct returns from tree products
produced a special edition of the Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture based on the JVAPs National Windbreaks Program published by CSIRO Publishing
reported on using windbreaks to protect soils, crops and livestock published Improved Species Climatic Profiles Cost effective multipurpose agroforestry systems to meet commercial and environmental objectives
produced reports on a range of wood products and properties from several projects. The products include inorganic- bonded wood composites, medium density fibreboard and oriented strand board
researched a silvicultural decision support system for farm forestry which predicts wood product yield based on a few simple descriptors and the silviculture applied researched a whole farm and regional agroforestry decision making system Effective communications published the first in the Integration Series booklets Managing Riparian Land for Multiple Uses Some key performance indicators number of viable commercial options that underpin an expansion of agroforestry This sub-program has its own five-year R&D plan, which is accessible in hardcopy and on the Internet at www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/aft5yr.htm
availability of farm and catchment design information that provides clearer guidance on the placement of trees in the landscape to manage groundwater
availability of information to farmers which allows them to quantify and predict the impact of trees on their farming systems
extent of systematic information available on financially viable species and provenances for agroforestry systems and products
availability and uptake of design options and decision making tools
JVAP products are widely available and used by agroforestry advisors and forest growers
AGROFORESTRY SUB-ACCOUNT ACTUAL Opening Balance Total Revenues Total Expenditure Surplus/(Deficit) Closing Balance Research Manager: Dr Roslyn Prinsley & Dr Russell Haines
Phone: 02 6272 4033
Fax: 02 6272 5877
Email: roslyn.prinsley@rirdc.gov.au
russell.haines@rirdc.gov.auAssistant research manager: Dr Deb OConnell/Dr Rosemary Lott
Phone: 02 6271 6671
Fax: 02 6272 5877
Email: rosemary.lott@rirdc.gov.auPublications in 200203
SR/127 Farmwood Australia export markets for farm-grown wood 03/018 Research update No 7: Wood for alcohol fuel 02/059 Trees for shelter 03/035 The Landcare Revolving Loan Fund - a development report 03/024 Wattle Seed Workshop Proceedings: 12 March 2002, Canberra 03/022 High value, solid wood products from low rainfall (450-650 mm/yr) farm forestry 02/162 Research update 6: Trees for shelter 02/083 Hardwood plantation: quantifying conservation and environmental service benefits 02/146 Irrigation management and groundwater uptake in young tree plantations growing over high watertables 02/103 Managing riparian land and trees for multiple uses 02/137 Research update No 5: Bioenergy atlas of Australia 02/141 Wood for alcohol fuels 02/084 Australian low rainfall tree improvement group: Mallee genotype/environment interaction 02/063 Joint Venture Agroforestry Program research in progress and completed projects for 2001/2002 02/133 National Windbreaks Program - current research on farm trees (Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture Special Issue volume 42 number 6) 02/120 The cost benefits of small log processing - a case study in WA laminated three-ply flooring 02/121 Development of a FloraSearch project for southern Australia conference proceedings 02/031 Breeding trees for the low rainfall regions of southern Australia 02/095 Improved species climatic profiles 03/042 Evaluation of the Agroforestry and Farm Forestry Program: an assessment of benefits stage 2 03/041 Evaluation of the Agroforestry and Farm Forestry Program: an overview of all projects - stage 1
2.3 DeerObjective: To foster an Australian deer industry as a profitable and efficient mainstream agricultural enterprise.
Expenditure in 200203: $307,427
Compared with 200102: $286,758Background
The Australian deer industry is primarily based on breeding of temperate deer species (fallow, red deer and elk) for production of velvet antler, venison and venison co-products. The industry is concentrated in the south-eastern states with some production from temperate species in all states and production from tropical species (rusa and chital deer) in Queensland. The deer industry has an estimated current gross value of production of about $5 million to $6 million per annum at the farm gate, about 70% from venison and 30% from velvet antler.Venison production is likely to fall significantly in 20032004 due to the prevailing drought conditions in 2002 with a major reduction in the national herd which is likely to affect production for the next few years as the breeding herd is rebuilt. The drought will have a significant adverse impact on the industrys growth objective.
Despite the drought and strong competition from a much larger deer industry in New Zealand, RIRDC believes there is significant potential in both domestic and export markets to expand the GVP of the deer industry over the next decade.
Key long term strategies
maintain industry focus on expanding deer numbers, particularly by stimulating new interest in deer production amongst farmers of traditional livestock species and institutional investors Some key performance indicators
improve market demand for deer products by improving product quality and quality control systems
continue to guide the R&D program from its 20002005 plan
improve the utilisation and adoption of research knowledge, particularly nutrition technologies, to improve the uniformity and quality of the industrys products and its ability to consistently supply them
communicate research outcomes and promote their adoption to the deer industry through strong relationships with key industry organisations
develop animal health standards and disease control strategies for Johnes disease in Australian farmed deer that will retain interstate market access for live farmed deer, control production losses from the disease and maintain international market access for deer products
develop or facilitate development of commercial arrangements with industry participants and others, where appropriate, to ensure commercial exploitation of intellectual property developed with industry or RIRDC funds (for example, in biomedical applications of velvet antler extracts) updated quality assurance manuals and computer database program produced This sub-program has its own five-year R&D plan, which is accessible in hardcopy and on the internet at www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/deerrd1.html
improvement in farmer returns from research of venison co- product opportunities
new industry code of practice produced
quality assurance program expanded
completion of venison statistic computer program
tourist markets for value added velvet antler and venison co- products identifiedKey outputs in 200203
improved knowledge of issues related to: drought management published a Velvet and Venison Co-Products Manual in three languages
tolerance of deer to increasing salinity levels with evaporation in surface water sources
practicality of early weaning strategies for deer calves
strategies for assessing the nutritional value for deer of particular supplementary feedstuffs
upgraded the industrys quality assurance software program
continued reporting to industry of market statistics
DEER SUB-ACCOUNT ACTUAL 200102 ($) 200203 ($) Opening Balance Total Revenues Total Expenditure Surplus/(Deficit) Closing Balance Publications in 200203
02/128 Deer farming in Australia 02/124 Velvet antler and venison co-products language and specs guide Korean language version 02/123 Velvet antler and venison co-products language and specs guide Chinese language version 02/080 Australian deer industry - velvet antler and venison co-products language and specifications guide English version 02/058 Australian velvet antler and deer co-products - developing domestic markets part B Research Manager: Dr Laurence Denholm
Phone: 02 6365 5482
Mobile: 0418 641 957
Fax: 02 6365 5482
Email: denholml@bigpond.comAustralian Deer Industry - Velvet antler and venison co-products language and specifications guide, Pub. No. 02/080, $42. (Available in three languages: English, Korean and Chinese)
 
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Last updated: October 2003
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