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Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation
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Shaping the Future is
the corporate newsletter of RIRDC. It is distributed quarterly by direct
mail to over 4,000 researchers, industry, government, farmers, libraries
and consultants. Contributions are welcome.
Phone (02) 6272 4539,
Fax (02) 6272 5877, Editor: Martin Field, ph (02) 6272 4735. email:
Murray.Hansen@rirdc.gov.au
In this issue:
RIRDC
honours "outstanding group of women"
A
word from the Managing Director
Industry
partnerships investing in rural women
Breeding
rabbits for meat
Feral
leather on the catwalk
Coriander
– Alternative strains resist disease
Preventing
farm deaths and injuries with a strategic mix of instruments
The
Farm Health & Safety Joint Research Venture
HEYWIRE
— Giving voice to rural youth
A
Heywire
idea with practical results
Asian
vegatables – a new growth industry
Farm
trees as windbreaks
Bioenergy
and farm forestry
From
farm trees to car fuel
Online
resource Mapping
Options
for Farmers
Chamomile
– good prospects for TasmaniaRural and regional Australia is extremely important to the nation as a whole,both for its important economic contribution and for the role it continues to play in defining our cultural heritage,Prime Minister John Howard said recently.
Speaking at the RIRDC Rural Women of the Year 2002 Awards ceremony, the Prime Minister said women play a vital role in all areas of the rural sector and that it was "inspiring to see the achievements of this outstanding group of women ".
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture,Fisheries and Forestry Senator the Hon.Judith Troeth said women make up at least a third of the rural workforce and sign around 80% of farm cheques, however across the board in industry and government women ’s representation is still low.
"On the farm,men tend to focus on production issues.Women are often responsible for managing the business side of the enterprise. But both are equally important in achieving a viable farm business," she said.
"It is also important to remember that rural women are not all farmers -we are bankers,researchers,lobbyists,community leaders,farm advisers and politicians.
"Rural women contribute to all areas that make up rural life - while our involvement is not always visible -our contribution is always felt.
"We have diversity in the community, diversity on farms,but we have had little diversity in our industries.The contribution of our rural women is invaluable and we cannot afford to waste any of our assets."
Prime Minister John Howard
addressing the award ceremony, with Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture,
Fisheries and Forestry Senator JudithTroeth, and RIRDC MD Simon Hearn.
Senator
Judith Troeth commended the winners for their contribution to Australia.
Award winners (from left)
Milada Safarik (NSW), Desley Vella (QLD), Erica Starling (WA), Beverly
Wilson (NT), Anna Aldridge (Vic), Lee Adamson Ringk (Tas) and Sharon Starick
(SA).
Details of each winner are
included here Rural
Women’s Award winners
A
word from the Managing Director
Rural Women’s Awards: building skills and knowledge
Australian agriculture is well regarded for its efficiency,and is particularly productive for the harsh climate that many landholders endure.
In the past, significant productivity gains in agriculture were achieved by adopting new products or production methods.
While these gains will continue, productivity growth can also be enhanced through the development of new skills and activities.
Farm business managers need skills to enable them to analyse and use information,develop quality systems and market products.
They also need to be skilled in financial, technical and personnel management while responding to change.
Links between farmers and the regional society in which they live are also important to the development of vibrant rural communities.
RIRDC’s Human Capital,Communications and Informatoins Systems research area manages a wide range of research and support programs that build on existing skills and knowledge in rural and regional Australia.
The annual RIRDC Rural Women of the Year Awards is a key project for the Human Capital program.These Awards are designed to recognise and encourage the vital contribution women make to rural Australia.
Now in its fourth year,the Award plays a pivotal role in the revitalisation of rural Australia by capitalising on the talents and skills of rural women and encouraging greater diversity in its leadership and management.
The RIRDC Rural Women ’s Award began in 2000 with the objective of increasing women ’s capacity to contribute to agriculture and rural Australia,by providing them with the support and resources to further develop their skills and abilities.
A Bursary of $15,000 is awarded to each State and Territory Award winner,as well as an Australian Institute of Company Directors ’ Course..
There is also a Development Award of $5,000 for one runner-up in each State and Territory.
The short-term benefits from this Award are impressive in terms of building the "capital " of individuals, but it is the long-term where the benefits will make the greatest impact.
Simon Hearn
March 2003
The Industry Partnership – Corporate Governance for Rural Women Program is a joint government and industry initiative.It aims to provide the expertise for rural women to develop their skills and increase participation in industry.
The program will also help industry organisations tap into a wider range of experience and expertise,thereby strengthening our rural sector.
Each of the twelve winners was selected by one of the rural Research and Development Corporations to attend the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course.
Now that they have completed the course,an industry leader will mentor them for 12-months guiding them through decision making processes.
Elizabeth James is the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation ’s winner.
Elizabeth comes from northern Tasmania,where she runs a consutancy business and owns a small farm with a few sheep.She is owner and principal of See Change, a consultancy she founded in 1999 to help other businesses use information technology.
Elizabeth is an environmental activist and is closely involved in issues in her local region.She resides on a number of community and business based boards and committees,with common themes of information technology,environment and business.
Elizabeth ’s positions include Director of the Northern Midlands Business Association and Director of the Launceston Online Access Centre.
RIRDC Industry Partnerships winner Elizabeth James
Breeding
rabbits for meat
A ustralians have spent more than 150 years trying to eradicate rabbits.A new report from RIRDC ’s New Animal Products sub- program,however,shows farmed rabbit to be a commercially viable new livestock industry in this country.
The report,Farmed Rabbits in Australia, found that the industry is growing rapidly since bans on rabbit farming have been lifted in most states,with an estimated size in 2002 of 200 farms producing about 160 tonnes of meat with a farm gate value of $1 million.
Domestic market demand for farmed rabbit meat is strong and projections are for the industry to grow to 700 tonnes by 2005, according to the report.
The basis for this report is the CSIRO Crusader ® project,,Australia ’s first R&D project to support the emerging farmed rabbit meat industry.
The prime activity of the project, which ran for 3 years to July 2002, was to develop a breeding program for meat rabbits using advanced genetic technologies,with a strong emphasis on improving traits related to enterprise profitability.
The breeding program developed a composite rabbit breed,maximising genetic variation in the foundation population.
Response to selection has been encouraging,with about a 10% increase in average daily growth rate and a 5%increase in number of kittens weaned.
There also has been an accompanying improvement in individual liveweight of rabbits at 10 weeks of age and in number of kittens born alive per litter.
Sales of breeding stock to industry commenced in September 2001,and to date in excess of 250 high index performance-tested animals have been purchased by rabbit farmers.
The meat rabbit industry in Australia has grown considerably since the Crusader project began, from production of 106 tonnes of meat in 1999 to an estimated 159 tonnes in 2001.The industry now national one with farmers in most states,and there is strong product demand from urban centres in general.
Farmed Rabbits in Australia
by S.Eady 2002;54pp,
Pub.No.02/144:$16
Leather produced from the hides of feral and some native animals has the potential for use in the high fashion industry,according to Markets for Skins &Leather from the Goat, Emu, Ostrich, Crocodile & Camel Industries .This report identifies a range of potential uses and markets for these emerging animal industries.
Camel leather was identified as having attributes demanded by makers of high-quality Italian leather belts,while goat leather has good potential for shoes.
The report identified potential for Australian emu leather in the US and Chinese markets,if the current tanning process can be improved.
While some opportunities exist in Europe,the most important international markets for ostrich leather are Japan and the United States.These two markets also have differing preferences for particular end products,with the United States predominantly a ‘masculine ’ boot market and Japan a more ‘feminine ’ market for handbags and other fashion accessories.
There are also clear opportunities for crocodile skins and leather in Europe,particularly France and Italy.
There are approximately 200 000 camels in Australia,mostly in feral herds of dromedary (single hump)camels.Camel hides have a high tensile strength,and with a campaign to promote awareness and interest in camel leather,a potential Italian market for belts could be developed.
This report will help to provide Australian producers and tanneries with a greater understanding of opportunities for skin and leather products in key international markets.
Markets for Skins &Leather
from the Goat,Emu,Ostrich,Crocodile &Camel Industries by Kylie
MacNamara et al;2002,138pp,
Pub.No.02/142:$26
Coriander spice seed has been grown in Australia since the 1970 ’s.Production in 1998 was estimated to be 5,000 tonnes, worth $5.75 million, with good prospects for expansion of the industry.
However,in recent years production has declined,partly due market opportunities and seed price.A major reason has been disease causing reduced profits, and low confidence and commitment to the crop.Little information is available to new growers,resulting in either a reluctance to grow the crop,or significant financial loss through poor knowledge of production and marketing requirements.
Coriander - overcoming productionlimitations is a new report from the RIRDC New Plant Products sub- program,which aims to stabilise and expand coriander production in Australia by identifying and promoting options for controlling disease and improving crop management for optimum yield.
This research gives a better understanding of the identity, extent and economic impact of coriander diseases and identified new opportunities for variety improvement.
A survey of 41 crops in 1999 to 2001 confirmed that disease is still the major constraint to coriander production with 50%of crops showing infection levels expected to cause significant yield loss.
Bacterial blight is the most important disease because it is wide spread,can cause high losses and severely downgrades the value of seed.This has been exacerbated by the widespread use of Moroccan type coriander which is extremely susceptible and develops significant disease from low incidence of seed borne or endemic bacteria.
Another damaging disease for the crop is Microdochium,which can cause extreme yield loss.This is a new disease which has only been recorded in the south-east of SA and its epidemiology and source of inoculum is not known.
Glasshouse and field trials have identified several coriander lines with better resistance to bacterial blight and Microdochium than Moroccan,the two most important diseases in coriander have been identified in.
The most outstanding is Seedco line SX5317 which has better resistance to both diseases.Since SX5317 is early maturing and large seeded,it has the potential to be used directly as a replacement for Moroccan in coriander production in Australia.It would also be a suitable parent for rapid transfer of resistance into other agronomically adapted varieties.
Coriander overcoming production
limitations by P Hooper &J Dennis 2002,32pp,Pub No 02/147:$16
Preventing farm deaths and injuries with a strategic mix of instruments
A mixed approach to improve farm machinery safety in Australia involving education,training,positive incentives and prosecution is recommended in a report produced for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC).
A recent study from the Farm Health and Safety Joint Research Venture,the Farm Machinery Regulatory Review ,makes recommendations for a strategy to reduce the high rate of machinery accidents and deaths on the nation’s farms.
Canberra researcher Neil Gunningham reported that existing farm machinery regulation in Australia is seriously deficient.The issues around safety are complex and challenging with no single policy instrument likely to be wholly effective in their management.Instead a number of strategies,in combination,are likely to be more effective.
These include the crucial role of education,training and information,positive incentives and in extreme cases, prosecution.
A major problem in dealing with farm machinery safety is the lack of uniformity in Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)responsibilities and specific national regulations and codes of practice for the use of farm plant.
Children face an unacceptably high risk of farm accidents and a disproportionate number of fatalities involve use of farm machinery,particularly vehicles.
Particular attention is paid to four-wheel motorbikes or All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs),which have largely replaced small tractors but have no equivalent regulatory controls.
ATVs are a major source of deaths and serious injury on farms.
There is a need to recognise the particular hazards these vehicles create,and the report suggests introducing a prescribed minimum age for driving ATVs and tractors and providing training for novice riders/drivers.
People living on remote farms often modify farm machinery in ignorance of their legal responsibilities under the OH&S legislation.It says many of these farmers lack the time or opportunity to educate themselves on safety issues.
The study recommends a mixed approach to enforcement with advice and persuasion preferred,but escalating to use of administrative notices,on-the-spot fines and ultimately in extreme cases prosecution.This provides a credible,overall "enforcement pyramid ".
More specific solutions are offered in relation to child safety,changing technology and the remoteness of farms in many parts of the country.
Farm Machinery Regulatory
Review by Neil Gunningham 2003 98pp,Pub No 02/169:$26 RIRDC Short Report
No 123: A "pyramid approach to farm safety " 2003, 6pp, FREE
A ustralian farmers suffer a higher death and injury rate than the general population,with around 150 people dying in farm accidents each year.
Children are especially vulnerable to death and injury on farms,most commonly through drowning and vehicular accidents.
Major sources of farm work-related injury include tractor,motorcycles and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accidents,chemical exposure, noise-related hearing damage, animal-related injury and respiratory diseases from exposure to air-borne contaminants.
The Joint Research Venture is managed by RIRDC on behalf of its partners,as the Grains Research and Development Corporation, Meat &Livestock Australia, Australian Wool Innovations Ltd, Sugar R&D Corporation,Cotton R&D Corporation,Dairy R&D Corporation and Horticulture Australia Ltd.
Its goal is Enhanced wellbeing and productivity in rural industries through improved OHS status of Australian agriculture delivered by the establishment of safe systems of work on farms .
To date the Farm Health & Safety Joint Research Venture has conducted research into issues concerning chemical use on farms,fire safety,safe use of farm machinery,development of occupational health and safety (OHS)guidelines, and the development and maintenance of comprehensive data on farm injury and death.
To order a free brochure
on the FH&S Joint Research Venture,contact RIRDC ’s Human Capital,
Communications and Information Systems sub-program.For more information
contact the Research Manger Dr Roslyn Prinsley on 02 6271 4033, email roslyn.prinsley@rirdc.gov.au
or visit the website at www.rirdc.gov.au/farmhealth
Rural
women’s Award winners
The RIRDC Rural Women’s Award is an initiative of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation in partnership with the Primary Industries Standing Committee’s Rural Women’s Working Group. It recognises rural women with a strong vision for innovation and a drive to achieve their goals.
These women completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors course and received a $15,000 bursary, which will allow them to further develop their skills and pursue their vision.
Sharon
Starick — South Australia
Sharon is partner in a mixed farming operation in the Mallee of South Australia,comprising of cropping, pigs and bird egg production.Her commitment to sustainable agriculture includes work with numerous organisations,including member of the National Young Farmers Forum Steering Committee and Board Member of the SA Farmers Federation Natural Resources Subcommittee and Mallee Sustainable Farming Project.She is also Executive Officer to the Soil Boards CARE Committee and the Murray Plains,Murray Mallee and Coorong District Soil Conservation Boards.She participates in the Murray Darling Basin Leadership Program.
Sharon ’s vision is for a dynamic and prosperous agriculture in Australia,that manages its natural resources,including land and water,vegetation and habitat,sustainably.She believes if the major natural resource management issues are going to be addressed, it will be achieved only by community ownership and participation,which will result in major changes for communities.
Sharon ’s proposed activity involves a study tour of communities within Victoria and New South Wales, to explore new ways of assisting communities manage change,thereby developing an understanding within the SA Murray Darling Basin community of the change management processes.
Desley
Vella — Queensland
Desley ’s commitment to the sugar cane industry extends from farming to serving her industry on a number of boards and committees.She is an elected member of the Babinda Mill Suppliers Committee and Director of the Innisfail Babinda Cane Productivity Board.She is also Co- founder and Co-chair of the Babinda Sugar Cane Product Development Group and an active member of the Bureau of Sugar Experiment Station ’s Northern Regional Planning and Advisory Committee.
Desley ’s vision is to promote a public perception of agriculture as a vital sector of the community,by establishing profitable and sustainable cane farming enterprises through diversification into cultural and eco- tourism initiatives.
Her proposed activity involves the establishment of an on-farm cultural tourism venture,the Cane Cutters Barracks,as a living museum documenting the cultural and social history of the industry,as well as promoting current sustainable agricultural practices.Finances generated will then be invested into enriching the museum experience along with rehabilitation works and walking trails on farm,adjacent to World Heritage listed forests and wetlands.Desley plans a study tour of heritage and eco-tourism operations in other states to view first hand the development of socially and environmentally responsible investments.
Erica
Starling — Western Australia
Erica is owner and operator of Indian Ocean Fresh Australia,a fish packing, selling and distribution operation.
The company currently employs three women full time and 15 casual staff and services up to 16 vessels in the Southern and Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery, from her home port of Geraldton and beyond.
Erica serves as an industry representative on the Southern and Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery Management Advisory Committee, part of the national fisheries management regime,under the direction of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.The most pressing issue currently facing the industry ’s future sustainability is the development of a management plan comprising statutory fishing rights with individual transferable quota from a total allowable catch.
Erica ’s vision is to see the fishery return a stable price to its fishers through consistent supply and guaranteed quality within a sustainable environment.
She plans to develop a quality assurance program that will provide customers with consistent quality,by guaranteeing handling methods from ocean through to sales outlet and will allow the fishery to in effect ‘brand ’ its product,to maximise its financial return.
Anna
Aldridge — Victoria
Anna is a qualified winemaker and wine-marketing consultant based in Victoria ’s ‘Yarra Valley ’.Her work concentrates on promotional strategies to market Yarra Valley wines.Anna is deeply concerned about her region ’s future sustainability,given the dramatic expansion in grape production and resultant diminishing profit margins.
Anna ’s vision is for the Yarra Valley wine industry to be recognised as a global leader of cool climate wines, with its growers rewarded financially for grape quality.
Her proposed activity involves the development of a marketing plan for the newly established Yarra Valley Wine Network to encourage sustained growth of the region ’s wines.She plans to investigate strategies currently undertaken by international wine regions and in particular by New Zealand,while enhancing her wine marketing, viticulture and winemaking skills and building a network of international contacts.
Lee
Adamson Ringk — Tasmania
Lee and her husband,Chris,have established a business partnership ‘de Floriet ’,specialising in commercial Tasmanian Wildflower production.The business has already undertaken research and development into ten previously untested Tasmanian wildflower species suitable for commercial cut flower production.
Lee ’s vision is for a sustainable and diversified system of wild and exotic flower-growing that involves plant species selection that work in harmony with natural conditions rather than relying on external resources and artificial inputs.She believes the wildflower industry in Tasmania has a huge potential,both domestically and internationally and presents valuable social and employment opportunities,for rural women and for families working smaller rural holdings.
Lee plans to travel to New Zealand ’s South Island,where flower farming systems are already well established, to assess existing programs of land capability and environmental conditions,and choose the most appropriate flower species for Tasmanian conditions.She also plans to travel to the Melbourne Flower Show,to improve her knowledge and establish contacts that will be critical to the development of the Tasmanian industry.
Milada
Safarik — New South Wales
Milada is part of the new breed of young women now driving the Australian aquaculture industry.She is one of the principals of Aquabait,a company involved in the farming of marine worms for the fishing bait industry.
Despite those who claimed a marine worm farm couldn ’t be done,seven years on,Aquabait is celebrating its first production and now selling live and preserved bait into the market.
Milada’s vision is to develop a sustainable and viable new aquaculture industry for Australia,through the development of farm grown marine worm bait,and reduce the pressure on the environment.
Milada’s proposed activity involves continued research and development of marine worms,to full proof production methods.She aspires to break through existing barriers,and develop a new commercially viable aquaculture industry for Australia.
Beverley
Wilson — Northern Territory
Beverley has been involved in the pastoral industry in the Northern Territory for 30 years and currently works with her husband on the family beef cattle operation.
She is committed to natural resource management and to the control of feral animals and has been involved in buffalo control through the Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Eradication Campaign.
Beverley ’s vision for agriculture is the utilisation of all its resources including feral animals while preserving the bio-diversity of the environment.Controlling feral pigs can reduce their impact on the environment,while utilising a valuable resource.
Her short-term goals include the collection,raising and slaughter of pigs through a local abattoir coupled with raising the profile and markets for the harvested pig meat industry.
Her longer-term goals for
her industry include the establishment of facilities to provide for a hygenic
and coordinated approach to collection and transportation of large field
shot animals for export.
"Heywire provides a means for Australians to hear directly from young people living in regional Australia about their concerns,hopes and aspirations," said Minister Wilson Tuckey MP, congratulating the winners of the radio scripting competition.
RIRDC has supported Heywire since its inception in 1998, under the Human Capital, Communications and Information Systems sub-program,which aims to enhance human capital and facilitate innovation in rural industries and communities.
Heywire provides young rural and regional Australians with a chance to make an early contribution to their community.The Heywire Youth Issues Forum develops abilities that will help these communities prosper and provide a new generation of leaders for rural Australia.
The Heywire competition involves young Australians from rural and regional areas submitting their stories in the form of radio scripts.
Winners are chosen from ABC Local Radio areas in regional Australia, and the winning stories are produced by the ABC and broadcast on ABC Local Radio,Triple J, Radio National and Radio Australia.
Heywire winners are joined
by Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government Wilson
Tuckey and RIRDC Managing Director Simon Hearn at the Canberra award ceremony
in February
In congratulating the 39 winners from across regional Australia, Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government, The Honorable Wilson Tuckey MP said Heywire was valuable on a number of levels.
"Heywire winners … have a great opportunity to benefit from leadership training and to work through regional youth issues with their peers," Mr Tuckey said..
Heywire winners travelled to Canberra in February 2003 for the Heywire Youth Issues Forum at the Australian Institute of Sport.
The forum provides experience and training in goal setting, communication,leadership, teamwork skills and problem solving.
For more information,including
audio streaming and transcripts of the winning stories,visit http://www.abc.net.au/heywire/
Check this text
ABC’s radio’s rural and regional youth development program Heywire is unique in its ability to "provide participants with a broad range of personal and leadership skills develoment," according to a recent RIRDC evaluation.
Titled Evaluating Heywire:The ABC Gives Rural Youth a Voice, program is quite different to programs offered the Federal, State, Local governments and community groups. Reporft co-author Fiona Haslam McKenzie said the study said the Heywire "If the new style of leader seeks to solve problems and achieve outcomes through the development of the capabilities of others, then the Heywire program does provide the opportunity for young people from across rural,regional and remote Australia to develop those skills through the Leadership Forum."
"Interviews with participants showed the Heywire Youth Issues Forum in particular,gave them a broad range of personal skills development,which for some did overflow to community development skills," she said..
"The opportunity to network,develop a heightened awareness of regional and youth issues and to appreciate self-worth was valued by both the participants, often their families too,and to a lesser extent their communities." This project has also found the annual Heywire Youth Issues Forum,held in Canberra in February this year, gives participants leadership tools and knowledge that drive community,social and economic development.
A finding of this research project is that young people in rural,regional and remote Australia would like to have more control over where they are located in order to pursue higher education and work options,she said.
"Heywire participants indicated that many would welcome the option to stay closer to home immediately after finishing secondary school rather than having to go to capital cities to develop skills and get work." Evaluating ‘Heywire ’-Th e ABC Gives Rural Youth a Voice by F.Haslam McKenzie et al.
2003;71pp;Pub.No.03/001:$26
The Australian Asian vegetable industry is a dynamic,growing horticultural sector whose products appeal to Australian consumers.
The industry has more than doubled in production value and grower numbers since 1995.It has also doubled its share of total Australian horticultural production.Many of the industry ’s products are on the verge of becoming mainstream staples and product is available through a wide variety of outlets.
This study highlights changes in the Australian Asian vegetable industry since RIRDC ’s 1995 Asian vegetable industry audit report.
It provides an assessment of the current Australian Asian vegetable industry situation and assesses the industry ’s future directions.
The domestic market accommodates more than 80 Asian vegetable types.
However,most demand centres around a limited number of major lines.These include leafy vegetables such as bok choi (white cabbage),kai laan (Chinese broccoli), choy sum (Chinese flowering cabbage) and bor choi (Chinese spinach) as well as Chinese cabbage, spring onion/shallot, taro, daikon, kabocha and herbs such as coriander and Chinese chives.
Industry value is estimated at $135.8 million up from $50.4 million in 1993/94,and grower numbers increased to 1,675 from 679.One half the industry is located in NSW, but the industry has a presence in all Australian states and territories.
Of note since the 1995 audit is the superior organisation of the industry and its increasing sophistication,especially amongst larger scale growers.
Key trends and innovations include:
Improved chemical manage- ment,agronomy,superior hybrid seeds and yields
The majority of Australian grown Asian vegetables are sold fresh in boxes and bunched for Asian Vegetable Industry . A Situation Assessment by Hassall & Associates Pty Ltd, 2003,93pp,Pub.No.02/168: $26 Short Report No 122 .
Asian vegetable industry
growing rapidly ;2003, 4pp:FREE
A recent Asian Foods project has investigated the feasabilty of several new Asian vegetable crops for Australian growers.The results are being published as a series of reports.
Bitter Melon Bitter melon grows in tropical and sub- tropical climates,and is consumed in most Asian countries.
The report presents the outcomes of a series of trials to identify national production capability,and supply and productivity issues for supply chain development of domestic and future export markets.
Bitter Melon in Australia by W Morgan &D Midmore 2002,37pp,Pub No 02/134:$21 Short Report No 116 . Bitter Melon in Australia 2002,4pp:FREE Chinese Broccoli (Kailaan) Chinese broccoli is harvested for its flowering stems with compact florets.Harvest time and post-harvest conditions are critical in minimising the number of opened flowerbuds in the flowering heads.
The vegetable is used extensively in Asian cuisine,and is one of the top five Asian vegetables sought by Australian supermarkets.
This report describes a number of trials in Victoria and Tasmania to determine site and variety specificity for optimal production of the crop.
Chinese Broccoli (Kailaan)in
Southern Australia by W Morgan &D Midmore 2002,46pp,Pub No 02/161:$21
Short
Report No 117 . Chinese Broccoli 2002,4pp:FREE
W ell designed windbreaks can boost crop and livestock production,reduce soil erosion,and provide many other benefits to farmers.
Trees for Shelter . a guide to using windbreaks on Australian farms provides farmers with the specific information they need to decide whether windbreaks can make their particular enterprises more profitable and sustainable,and what form the windbreaks should take.
The Joint Venture Agroforestry Program (JVAP)book is the result of a major 5-year research project,the National Windbreaks Program.This was the most comprehensive study of windbreaks so far undertaken anywhere in the world.
Field research at sites across Australia ’s grain and valuable data.
The fully illustrated book has been produced to help farmers,land managers and policy makers realise the potential environmental and economic gains of integrating windbreaks into farming systems.
It draws on the National Windbreaks Program findings and subsequent research to explain how windbreaks work;their effects on factors that might limit productivity;and how to design and maintain an effective windbreak system.
Trees for Shelter:a guide
to using windbreaks on Australian farms by H Cleugh; 2003, 72 pp,Pub
No 02/059:$34 Research Update No.6:Trees for Shelter . windbreaks for
The federal Government’s Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET)commenced in April 2001,as part of Australia ’s response to global warming.
It requires the generation of 9,500 gigawatt (GW )hours of extra renewable electricity per year by 2010.This is enough power to meet the residential energy needs of 4 illion people.Concern over global warming has provided a strong incentive to consider alternative energy sources.
Global warming is attributed to the release of greenhouse gases,such as increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels from combustion of coal,oil and natural gas.
Using biomass for electricity production – bioenergy – does not increase the overall levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Carbon dioxide is emitted when energy is extracted,but regrowth of the biomass takes an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide from atmosphere.
Bioenergy does not contribute
global warming because there increase in carbon dioxide levels.
New commercial uses for wood products will encourage tree planting by farmers and provide new sources of income.
A potential new industry receiving particular interest is the production of renewable biofuels from wood,including hanol and methanol for use as liquid transport fuels.The potential market for these fuels in Australia is considerable,and a liquid fuels dustry using biomass for feed ay be a driver for tree planting on massive scale.
thanol is already in use in a umber of countries,as a liquid ransport fuel in its own right and n blends with petrol.It offers a range of benefits over fossil fuels, including lower greenhouse gas emissions and some exhaust emissions,octane enhancement to petrol/alcohol blends and reduced imports of fossil fuels.
Ethanol (and methanol)from renewable sources are currently more expensive than fuels derived from crude oil,but fluctuations in the crude oil price due to international market changes could reverse this cost differential.
Wood for Alcohol Fuels,a new publication from the Joint Venture Agroforestry Program,investigates the opportunities for farm forestry for alcohol as renewable liquid transport fuels.It considers the technologies and costs involved,and then discusses balancing those costs against the many potential benefits that environmentally benign fuels and increased farm forestry should deliver to the environment and the community.
Wood for Alcohol Fuels
by
Enecon Pty Ltd; 2002,84pp,Pub No 02/141:$21
The online Bioenergy Atlas of Australia (www.brs.gov.au/ bioenergy_atlas/)is a new tool to assist in planning an emerging bioenergy industry.
JVAP ’s project partners include the University of Adelaide and Bureau of Rural Sciences in conjunction with the Australian Greenhouse Office.
The Atlas has two main components: a Geographic Information System (GIS)that provides online mapping and query capabilities;and a Decision Support System (DSS)that is used to perform predetermined analyses.
The Atlas will provide greater availability and accessibility of information on existing and potential bioenergy resources in Australia.
Research Update No.5:Bioenergy
Atlas of Australia by A Bugg et al 2002,32pp,Pub No 02/137:Free
Improved advice about enterprise diversification and other options are being made available to rural Australians,said the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture Senator Judith Troeth at the launch of the first two books of the RIRDC ‘Options ’ series in January this year.
RIRDC’s Options series aims to provide landholders with a wide range of advice to better equip them while making management decisions.
Senator Troeth said the first two books are a valuable resource with detailed case studies based on the actual experiences of landholders and their families.
The first book in the series,Costs and Benefits of Diversification,includes ten case studies with detailed financial analyses of enterprises,and accounts of farmers ’ personal experiences.
Senator Troeth said:"Diversification is often promoted as a way of protecting against economic downturns and low commodity prices,which are rarely low across all sectors at the same time.
"This book is a must-read for anyone considering the diversification of their farming operation." The second book,Leaving the Land,is based on interviews and surveys which provide an insight into the experiences and attitudes of families considering their future in farming-some chose to remain while others chose to leave their industry.
"Based on the research,farmers found leaving their properties a traumatic and difficult process because their self-worth was so closely linked to their occupation as pastoralists," Senator Troeth said. "However those that did exit farming found employment within a few months and generally reported an increased level of wellbeing."
"The Commonwealth Government is doing its utmost to facilitate a prosperous and sustainable rural sector, including structural adjustment when necessary," the Senator said.
"While certainly no-one advocates leaving the land,it is encouraging to know those who sometimes have to make this difficult decision can potentially re-establish themselves in new and often better situations as part of the adjustment process." The two publications are being followed by several other books in the Options series,examining topics including alternative land tenure arrangememts,community supported agriculture,planning succession,and several more.The findings of this series have been summarized into a single guidebook for farmers,Options for Change . New ideas for Australian farmers ,which is currently in production.
Costs and Bene . ts of
Diversi . cation:Whole Farm Case Studies by Campbell White &Associates
Pty Ltd and Alan Black;2002,126 pp,Pub No 02/029:$26 Leaving
the Land:A study of Western Division grazing families in transition by
T Webb et al 2002,127pp,Pub No 02/056:$26
Chamomile has been used in folk medicine throughout history, and is commonly used as a medicinal tea renowned for its calming properties.
The blue essential oil of chamomile is used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Chamomile needs to be sown as early as possible in the spring to ensure adequate growth before it commences flowering.
Flower yield, oil yield and the production of the pharmaceutically active compounds are all related to the maturity of the flowers,and the optimum harvest time is when the flowers are fully open.
Because chamomile has a continuous flowering habit, several harvests,spaced about 10 days apart,produce better yields than a single harvest at mid flowering.
Assessment was made of the expected yields of dry chamomile flowers and oil,and most crops will produce approximately 1 tonne of dried flowers per hectare.Oil yield is dependent upon the extraction process and it was shown that chamomile oil is released very slowly using the standard distillation procedure Oil "quality " is a factor that must be determined by the market place.
Assessment of the characteristics of chamomile distillation highlighted a problem for the commercialisation of this technology.
The commercial prospects for chamomile production in Tasmania are good.The crop should be easily incorporated into the current suite of essential oils crops by growers extending the use of their current knowledge and infrastructure.Because the crop is new to Tasmania, aspects of production require further research but these should not impede the adoption of this crop in the near future.
Chamomile for Oil and dried Flowers by L.Falzari & R.Menary 2002, 64pp, Pub No 02/156:$16
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