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A new website that supports the development of the Australian Native Food Industry has recently been launched.
Developed with the backing of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), the site (www.clw.csiro.au/nativefoods) aims to support industry efforts at forming a National representative organisation by 2003.
Currently, the Native Food Industry is organised into regional and crop-specific associations and commercial networks, however the Industry does not yet have a national or umbrella organization to represent the sector as a whole.
In the past, several unsuccessful attempts have been made by Federal
and State government agencies and Industry associations to foster the development
of a body that is broadly representative of the Australian Native Food
Industry.
A roundtable discussion of Industry representatives in Canberra in
March 2001, sponsored by RIRDC, identified a lack of information flow and
consensus as the major barriers to the development of such a body.
The meeting determined that implementing an Internet-based forum should
be the first step in addressing Industry
information issues, with the aim of developing internally-generated
consensus on the need, form, structure, role and formation of an Industry-wide
body.
Following a proposal by Australian Native Crop Development Services and with funding by the RIRDC, a website designed to meet these objectives was established in February this year.
The website is produced for, about, and by the Australian Native Plant Food Industry and is the Industry's national forum for development issues and an information resource for all those interested in the Native Food Industry.
The site provides a profile of the Industry, covering the main crops and production regions, as well as the associations and cooperatives; processors and marketers; and support services active in the Industry.
Industry development is specifically supported by the website through the provision of topical articles and publications; by information on and links to research and development plans, reports and news; an activities section for the announcement of conferences, field days, etc.; and a forum area for the discussion of industry development issues.
The forum, which operates as a moderated email list, allows any industry member with an Internet connection to initiate, participate in or simply monitor industry discussions and deliberations and represents a unique opportunity for broad participation in the development process.
Ends
Media inquiries:
Australian Native Crop Development Services - Anthony Hele
Phone: 08 8586 3252
RIRDC - Martin Field (02) 6272 4735 or 0418 430 760
 
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