What's new?
Tackling the global farm crisis
Recently, at the Agri-Food Industry Skills Council Conference in Melbourne, Professor Julian Cribb gave a sobering account of the global disasters that could lay ahead for a ballooning world population, as food supplies fall behind population growth. He commenced his presentation stating:
“Meeting over a mountain of caviar, sea urchin roe, Kyoto beef, conger eels, truffles and champagne in Japan recently, leaders of the G8 richest countries discussed spiralling grocery prices in the developed world and growing starvation in Africa, India and Asia. Between mouthfuls of an 18-course banquet, prepared by 60 chefs, the world’s eight most powerful men said they were ‘deeply concerned’.
For the full transcript of Professor Cribb’s address click here.
Outstanding opportunities to showcase to a broad range of stakeholders
The Nursery & Garden Industry National Conference & Exhibition combined with the Urban GreenScapes Symposium 2009 presents an outstanding opportunity to showcase your products and services to all sectors of the garden industry as well as a wide range of stakeholders including builders and landscapers, architects and town-planners.
Input invited for green-life supply chain review
Soaring transport costs have been identified as a high-priority issue by three States, Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. In response, Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) has commissioned a supply chain review project.
Transport news flash
We are all aware of the increase in fuel prices over the past year. However, other factors are also involved, such as the impending strict new national transport regulations. These regulations reduce flexibility in truck drivers' work hours and also emphasise the “chain of responsibility” which recognises the effects of the “actions, inactions and demands of off-the-road parties in the transport chain”.
It’s nesting time - by John Stanley
A decade ago Faith Popcorn, the futurologist, proposed that in the future, consumers would start “cocooning” and would be spending more time at home. Between then and now we have seen consumer increase their spending on exotic holidays and eat out more often in restaurants. It seems that we have moved away from cocooning.
Horticulture Australia Council says announcement on water buy‐back a “good move forward”
The Horticulture Australia Council (HAC) welcomes Prime Minister Rudd’s announcement that struggling small irrigators in the Murray‐Darling Basin will be able to sell their water entitlements to the Commonwealth, exit the industry if they wish, and remain in their family home. HAC Chair, Stuart Swaddling, says this was a “good move in the right direction.”
Another overseas fellowship available for industry personnel. Be quick to apply!
Applications close on October 20, 2008.
Thirteen overseas fellowships sponsored by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) are now available by way of application. Please note that this fellowship is not the same as the Agri-Food Industry Skills Council Fellowship which closed for applications on September 5.
