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This is the corporate
newsletter of RIRDC. It is distributed quarterly by direct mail to 3,000
researchers, industry, government, farmers, libraries and consultants.
This issue has also been distributed to 30,000 state farmers federation
members. Contributions are welcome. Editor: Eva Hickman, RIRDC Publications
Manager.
Phone 02 6272 3186, Fax
02 6272 5877, email: evah@rirdc.gov.au
The New Rural Industries – Financial Indicators, was released by RIRDC at the Outlook 99 conference as a follow-up to the popular The New Rural Industries – A Handbook for Farmers and Investors, which has sold over 2000 copies.
Diversification is key
Releasing the new book, RIRDC chair Professor Beth Woods said: "The diversification of Australian agriculture over the past decade has led to many new industries emerging through economic necessity and to meet the broader demands of global customers.
"Australia’s agricultural future is in more diversified industries and the more information we can provide will enhance their prosperity.
"This report, by agricultural consultants Hassall and Associates, provides entrants with financial indicators and industry requirements to help them make better informed decisions."
Eight industries analysed
Eight relatively well-known new industries are analysed – Cashews, Coffee, Geraldton Wax flower production, Lychee, Olive, Peppermint, Tea tree and Walnuts – using a hypothetical enterprise. All returned a positive return, although they varied from marginal to very favourable.
Of these, Tea tree oil, Walnuts and Olives have the potential as best performers, returning strong results in financial indicators; benefit cost ratio, net present value and internal rate of return.
Hassall and Associates economics director Michael Clarke said the research matched an individual industry’s performance against set criteria developed after a review of financial evaluation methods used in other industries.
Investment pointer
"A practical three-stage model acts as a pointer to investment by research proponents like RIRDC and private investors," Mr Clarke said. "For current industry it highlights possible areas of improvement according to fundamentals of investment and associated data levels.
"The first two stages look at whole enterprises in projected scenarios. The third stage is the acid test, and involves inputs specific to the development of a project and can only be made by the individual proponents prior to commercialisation.
"As an investment tool it is a
strong indicator, not a crystal ball, this information should help
producers plan any move into diversification."
The New Rural Industries – Financial Indicators explains the model using case study examples and final results.
Available for $20 from RIRDC. Phone 02 6272 4819 or online www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/cat/contents.html
The projects, worth $3.6 million and selected by the Joint Venture Agroforestry Program (JVAP) and funded from the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT), are expected to improve the uptake of farm forestry, in medium to low rainfall areas common to Australia’s grain-growing regions.
The funding was announced recently by the Minister for Forestry and Conservation, the Hon Wilson Tuckey MP.
Identification and development of species suitable for commercial farm forestry in the medium to low rainfall areas is a key focus. A number of the projects relate to aspects of wood production in these areas and work is also proceeding on a major collaborative project amongst a range of research agencies to provide improved breeding material for these areas.
Biodiversity benefits
Another priority for these funds is to promote the environmental benefits of farm forestry. This will be achieved through several projects that will investigate and quantify the benefits of farm forestry plantations to biodiversity.
Other priorities addressed include the development of species suitable for Northern Australia and the interaction of farm forestry with other aspects of farm production.
These NHT funded projects will be administered by two of the joint venture partners, the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) and the Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Corporation (FWPRDC).
The JVAP is a collaborative undertaking by three research and development corporations: RIRDC, FWPRRDC, and Land and Water Resources R&D Corporation (LWRRDC). Additional support is provided by the NHT and the Murray Darling Basin Commission.
lContact: Roslyn Prinsley, phone 02 6271 4033.
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Packed with nearly 300 research publications,
videos and software.
All titles also availble for sale online on our electronic catalogue. |
The group were all winners in the Heywire competition to give rural youth a voice, the brainchild of ABC Regional and supported by RIRDC’s Human Capital, Communications & Information Systems program.
The winners, aged 14 – 23, were chosen from 260 entrants who were asked to submit radio tapes detailing their thoughts of life in rural Australia.
Their prize was participation in a week-long Youth Issues Forum in Canberra, which included morning tea with the Prime Minister, meetings with other successful young Australians like athlete Melinda Gainsford-Tailor, and professional sessions for goal setting, planning and communication.
At the end of the week the participants worked in teams to make a presentation about a proposal they would like to develop in a regional area. These were presented to an expert outside panel, and ranged from ideas for a company to process Australia’s waste mangoes into pulp to developing a youth cafe in a regional centre.
RIRDC managing director Peter Core said the Corporation was pleased to be involved in a number of social programs which benefited rural communities including Heywire, the Rural Women’s Awards and the Australian Rural Leadership Program.
"Our involvement in these types of programs extends the development side of R&D to include the human element of the rural communities, promoting the social strength that is very important," Mr Core says.
l Contact: Tony Byrne, 02 6271 4033.
This is one of the findings from a recent survey by Yvonne Webb, accredited practicing dietician and former senior lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics at the Queensland University of Technology and University of Newcastle.
In a study involving members of the Dieticians Association of Australia and the Food Media Club, Ms Webb found knowledge of the humble egg was sadly lacking, especially in areas of nutrition.
The study, supported by RIRDC’s Egg Program, investigated the knowledge and attitudes to eggs of these professional groups, who are responsible for a large amount of the nutrition and educational information for Australian consumers.
One third recommended egg intake be limited to two per week, although research from CSIRO’s Division of Human Nutrition has found two eggs a day can be eaten without any harmful effect on cholesterol levels.
RIRDC’s Egg R&D Research Manager, Dr Irene Gorman, said the report identified books (especially cook books) and magazines as the major source of information regarding eggs. Industry sources and direct contact with the industry were rarely used.
"Therefore these professionals relied on each other for their ideas, resulting in a closed circle where myths are perpetuated," Dr Gorman said.
"There was a disturbing lack of knowledge about the nutritional differences, or lack of, between standard eggs, free range eggs and the designer omega-3 enriched eggs.
"For example, professionals who recommended the use of free range eggs did so largely from a belief that they were more nutritious - which is not the case."
Dr Gorman said it was also concerning that many respondents showed a lack of knowledge by answering "don’t know" to nutritional questions.
"Even more worrying is the significant proportion of the total sample that stated they would not contact anyone for information on eggs or did not know who to contact," she said.
The survey is the third in a series which has also looked at the visibility of eggs and egg products in the print media and the egg and fat consumption patterns of slimmers compared to other foods.
Dr Gorman said the research highlighted the need for public education about health and nutritional benefits of eggs. The survey would also provide a baseline to help measure the success of educational and promotion efforts by the industry.
l Contact: Irene Gorman, phone 02 9570
9222
But opportunities are beginning to develop in the former Burma, especially within the agri-business sector.
Delegates from around Australia were given the opportunity to learn more about the country’s transition to a free-market economy from high-level Myanmar Government Department officials at a recent conference held by the Australian Food Marketing Centre.
The conference was one of the outcomes of a RIRDC funded study, The Agri-food Sector in Myanmar, which is available from RIRDC for $15 +$6 p&h. (a free 8 page summary is also available).
Also just released is a set of three reports on the economic health of South Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia after the Asian economic crisis. The reports, Economic Change & Agrifood Development, cost $20 each.
l Phone 02 6272 4819 to order.
But what about biota, the small animals which live in the soil and are essential to soil health and thus the productivity and sustainability of vegetation.
RIRDC and CSIRO’s Division of Entomology, have just completed the first comprehensive survey of soil fauna from soils under wheat and using different tillage practices, to link the presence of biota to soil health and ultimately productivity of crops.
Indicators of change
"This study makes a valuable contribution to the issue of sustainable agriculture by highlighting the potential of soil biota to indicate change within the soil ecosystem," CSIRO researcher Dr Barry Longstaff said.
The researchers sampled invertebrate numbers at two sites at Cowra, NSW, and Harden, NSW, under three different cropping regimes - direct drilling, stubble incorporation and conventional cultivation.
According to Dr Longstaff, information from the project was a good stepping-stone to future research where the abundance and type of biota would be a strong guide to sustainable farming systems.
As the first study in Australia to look in detail at the composition of the invertebrate community in cropping soils, it was difficult to draw general conclusions, Dr Longstaff said.
Nevertheless, the researchers did find differences in the diversity and abundance of soil fauna between the tillage treatments.
Indicators of soil health
Different characteristics of the community structure were also found to be useful indicators of soil condition. Of greatest significance, however, was the speed with which certain species of springtails and mites (biotic organisms) responded to changes in tillage practice.
Using the biota results as indicators of soil health, changes could be made in practices to improve the farming systems, increasing sustainability and production.
The next step is to produce an identification system and guide to the fauna of Australian soils.
The research results are contained in RIRDC’s report Managing Soils in Agriculture – The Impact of Soil Tillage Practices on Soil Fauna.
l To order: phone 02 6272 4819. Cost $10 + $4 p&h.
Ginseng is one of the most valuable legal crops in the world, and is grown in small quantities by about 1000 Australian producers. Officially about 14 tonnes are imported each year, but it is estimated up to five times that may enter the country undeclared.
New research by RIRDC into the crop establishment of Ginseng is expected to enhance the prospects of a larger domestic industry.
The research, by Tony Sadler of Primary Options, aims to improve crop agronomy knowledge, which had previously been identified by the industry as a major barrier to increased commercial development.
It looked at three particular areas - understanding of cultivation limitations, difficulties in seed germination and problems with root dormancy.
l The full research is available in Australian Ginseng – Crop Establishment Research, available for $10 from RIRDC by calling 02 6272 4819.
Opus is the first Australian-bred short grain rice variety commercially released to growers and is expected to give them a unique market advantage in Japan.
The variety gives Australia the opportunity to offer a quality, soft cooking, short grain product in large quantities, supplied fresh early in the Japanese season ahead of harvesting its own crop. No other major supplier can do this.
Opus has been developed over 10 years as a co-operative effort of RIRDC, NSW Agriculture, the Ricegrowers Co-operative and the McGaughey Memorial Institute.
"This is an important market for Australia and this variety is an exciting achievement," said Norm McAllister, Ricegrowers Co-operative director.
"It has the potential to increase sales of rice to Japan because of its superior cooking qualities. As well, because of its higher yields – up to two tonnes per hectare – it offers improved revenue potential for ricegrowers."
RIRDC research manager Jeff Davis said Opus’ development was part of a long-term research strategy to increase farm efficiency and meet customer requirements.
"The variety research is part of RIRDC’s total $2.85 million commitment to the rice industry," Dr Davis said. "It is a significant step because the variety has been bred specifically for the Japanese market to give Australia a differentiated product from our competitors."
l Contact: Jeff
Davis, phone 02 6272 4152.
Australian farmers require better information, greater access and specialist training to take full advantage of the internet, according to communications specialist Jim Groves.
Mr Groves and co-author Jenny DaRin (who also collaborated on the successful A Farmers Guide to the Internet - see page 8) have just completed a series of four reports analysing the current and potential effects of the internet for Australia’s rural communities.
The reports, supported by RIRDC, aim to help organisations serving Australian agriculture, and farmers themselves, make better use of the internet.
"The internet makes a seemingly unlimited amount of information available at the click of a button, facilitating market access, creating new business opportunities, improving services and improving access to education and training," Mr Groves says.
Better accessibility
"For rural Australia, however, few of these opportunities are being realised. The availability of information is not as extensive or accessible as it could be – electronic commerce opportunities are still limited and online education and training is almost non-existent.
Mr Groves said there had been significant improvements in the range and quality of content on the internet and most users expressed a high degree of satisfaction with it.
Wide information gaps
But, a significant proportion still considered there were unacceptably wide gaps in market and price information, technical information and, local and regional information.
Few agricultural organisations had so far embraced the internet as an interactive medium, maintaining a passive presence rather than integrating it into their communication activities.
More farmer training
"There is an ongoing need and demand for farmer training", Mr Groves says.
"Greater attention needs to be paid to ongoing support, training in search techniques and training in farm business applications."
Mr Groves also advocates the use of internet applications, email, chat, bulletin boards and information provision of the web for the delivery of many types of education and training courses.
The set of four reports cover:
l buying and selling online;
l online education and training; and
l economic and social impacts.
These simple questions form the basis of research by the Orange Agricultural College, which since 1995 has been working with RIRDC to help the fledgling industry develop and challenge the $10 million worth of imports that land on our shores each year.
Australia already has some 100 commercial growers and with extra information
provided from this project, more farmers are expected to consider the industry
as an attractive alternative, especially in the cooler parts of southern
Australia.
Key Statistics |
Diversification option
As a crop Hazelnuts do not have a high labour requirement and can be grown by farmers wishing to diversify from more conventional and lower return enterprises.
The research is using two field trials in NSW at Orange and Moss Vale, and two in Victoria, at Myrtleford and Toolangi to evaluate 24 varieties. Most of these varieties originate from Europe or the USA, although some Australian seedling types with potential have been included.
The sites have been selected to test the varieties under different climatic conditions. Data is being collected on the growth of trees as assessed by changes in butt diameter. The periods of pollen shed and female bloom were recorded at each site in the winter of 1998. This will be repeated in 1999.
Automatic weather stations have been installed at each of the sites to record climatic data.
The trees are now coming into production and nut samples and yield estimates were obtained at Orange and Toolangi in 1999, so they can be assessed for quality.
l Interim results of this project are available through the RIRDC report ‘A Field Evaluation of the Productivity of Hazelnuts’, which is available for $10 plus $4p&h. Phone 02 6272 4819.
New tools for farm information management
Two tools to improve technology transfer to the farming community through consistent information management will be launched in July.
Kondinin Group, with support from RIRDC, has developed a new edition of the Agdex classification scheme, and a new thesaurus of Australian agricultural extension terms – Agterms.
Agdex and Agterms are being prepared by Kondinin Group’s Information Management team of Ruth McIntyre and Ling Heang in consultation with staff from various state Departments of Primary Industries.
The revision of the Agdex classification scheme to include new commodities, technology and practices will enable the continued inclusion of Agdex numbers on printed extension material.
The standardised system is used by many farmers and extension officers for filing and retrieving information and is expected to be even more broadly used following release of Kondinin’s improved scheme.
The Group has already been approached by various organisations considering other applications for Agdex, for example for organising material for information and pollfax services.
Agterms is a list of keywords to describe Australian agricultural extension information and used in conjunction with the CAB Thesaurus, published by CAB International.
The publishing of Agterms will deliver a national thesaurus of agricultural extension terms to all information professionals for the first time. Agterms, like Agdex, will have a variety of uses for information professionals – subject cataloguing, indexing, and metatagging electronic material including websites.
l Contact: Ruth McIntyre on 08 9478 3343 or by e-mail ruth@kondinin.com.au
The Australian Rural Leadership Program is calling for applications for its Course seven intake which will run from April 2000 to September 2001.
The Program is designed for the development of men and women who will lead rural and regional Australia, through leadership skills, issues examination and interaction with leaders in government, industry and the community.
The course runs for some 60 days during the 18 month period, over eight sessions – a two week outdoor leadership course in a remote area of Northern Australia, six one week sessions in the various states and a two and a half week overseas study trip.
RIRDC has a long involvement with ARLP and this year is sponsoring two scholarships. Andrea Hristofis, an olive grower from Willunga in South Australia is on RIRDC’s emerging industries scholarship and Raeleen Berriman, of Merbein, Victoria, is on a rural communities scholarship.
Applications for course seven close on July 31.
l Contact: ARLP, phone 02 6281 0680 or email arlp@iacom.com.au
Originating in South America, it was first introduced into Australia in the early 1900’s and, not surprisingly, is now regarded as one of the worst agricultural weeds in Australia. It has been the subject of research by agencies with support of RIRDC for the past few years.
A national Nassella workshop in 1998 included in its recommendations improved research into biological control of the pest. The University of Adelaide, with RIRDC support, has taken up the challenge and is in its first year of identifying a possible agent for widespread release.
The research is initially looking at a range of pathogens with biological control potential.
Contact: George Wilson, phone 02 6281 2160.
These are just two of the questions which will be considered during a major workshop on this emerging issue on May 26-28 At Ballina, jointly sponsored by RIRDC.
The workshop has drawn two of the key players in the development of an Environmental Farm Plan in Canada, Jeff Wilson and Craig Hunter, who will deliver keynote addresses.
Also speaking will be Ian Finlayson, technical manager of Primary Agriculture for Sainsbury’s Supermarkets in the United Kingdom.
Contact: George Wilson, phone 02 6281 2160.
Addresses the most frequently asked questions about the market prospects
and production/processing requirements for some 90 smaller or prospective
new rural industries. A comprehensive and invaluable initial reference
document for prospective investors and industry advisers.
1997, colour, 570pp, Pub 98/034, $40 ORDER
ONLINE
The New Rural Industries – Financial Indicators
Follow-up to the very successful New Rural Industries Handbook. Lifts
the lid on the financial performance of eight of Australia’s emerging rural
industries: cashews, coffee, geraldton waxflowers, lychees, olives, peppermint,
tea tree and walnuts. Includes case study examples and financial data that
will interest farmers and investors.
1999, 80pp, Pub 99/38, $20 ORDER
ONLINE
Market Compendium of Asian Vegetables
Provides one of the most comprehensive collections of marketing and
production data available in Australia on common Asian vegetables.
1995, colour, 400pp, Pub 95/012, $40 ORDER
ONLINE
The Australian Farmers’ Guide to the Internet
Features tips to help first-time and novice users of the Internet to
understand and make the best use of its features, as well as an extensive
directory of over 250 Australian agricultural and related sites. Each listing
includes a short description of the site and its content, as well as how
to find it. The Guide comes with a start-up CD-ROM to help farmers get
online. Jointly produced with Farmwide.
1997, 300pp, pub 97/007, $25 ORDER
ONLINE
Organic Agriculture in Australia
Proceedings of the National Symposium on Organic Agriculture: Research
and Development held in July 1996. Reviews the state of the industry in
the areas of farming practice, the production and processing of organic
products, product certification schemes, market development, government
initiatives and research and development, and develops a national industry
strategy. 1997, 200pp, Pub 97/014, $30 ORDER
ONLINE
Design Principles for Farm Forestry
A guide to assist farmers to decide where to place trees on farms and
in farm plantations. Explains the interaction of trees with other agricultural
enterprises and the environment. Provides methods for calculating the economics
of planting trees.
1997, 102pp, Pub 97/048, $22 ORDER
ONLINE
Potential for Establishing an Olive Industry in Australia
Assesses the market potential for the development of an olive industry
in Australia. Covers trends in international trade; potential consumer
segments and Australia’s competitiveness with imports.
1998, 117pp, Pub 98/005, $15 ORDER
ONLINE
Pastures for Horses: A Winning Resource
A major publication for hte horse industry on making better use of pasture.
Topics include soil sense, getting to know grass, seeds to sward, selecting
a suitable pasture, feeding the land, and pasture pests.
1996, 198pp, Pub 96/021, $25 ORDER
ONLINE
An Introduction to Herb Growing
Provides a background on herbs in Australia and gives a general overview
of herb growing. Also discusses potential growers’ prospects in the industry,
export markets, set up costs, marketing, harvesting, drying and selecting
the right herbs to grow.
1998, 23pp, Pub 98/76, $10 ORDER
ONLINE
Last updated: 12 May 1999
Copyright © RIRDC
http://www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/autumn99.htm