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Questions On Notice Questions on notice are usually asked when a more detailed answer is required and are in writing, and are forwarded by the Clerk of the Parliament to the relevant Minister who prepares a written answer which is presented to Parliament.
Supporting the Grain and Cotton Industries |
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| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Sep 26 2008 |
| Questions On Notice >> |
MR LAWLOR asked the Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
(MR MULHERIN)-
QUESTION:
How is the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries supporting the economic development of the grain and cotton industries?
ANSWER:
To encourage economic growth in the grain and cotton industries, the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) is working to increase productivity and efficiency, support industry adaptability, facilitate market access, develop trade and encourage sustainable resource use.
Continuous innovation plays a major role in increasing profitability in a sustainable manner. To facilitate this, DPI&F supports a range of projects and activities. Examples of some of these activities are:
• Developing new crop germplasm better adapted to a variable and changing environment such as drought resistant sorghum varieties, disease resistant tropical maize and high yielding wheat.
• Developing tools for remote surveillance and predictive forecasting for tactical and strategic decision making. Decision support tools such as the whole farm systems model, APSfarm, Whopper Cropper, Yield Prophet and AFLOMAN, have been developed by DPI&F to assist primary producers to manage their risk.
• Supporting improved farm management practices such as supply chain integration, improved water use efficiency, minimal tillage, best management practice for grain storage and integrated pest management strategies. To facilitate the uptake of new technologies, tools and practices, DPI&F interacts with primary producers via a wide range of methods including workshops, shed-meetings, on farm trials, on line support and other published material.
In support of the cotton industry, DPI&F is a participant in the national Cotton Catchment Communities Cooperative Research Centre (CRC). In cooperation with the CRC, DPI&F is supporting the implementation of transgenic technologies in the field, and improving on-farm water use efficiency. DPI&F is also assessing the feasibility of incorporating cotton production into a northern farming systems. The field testing of the transgenic variety Bolgard11 ® has shown an 85% reduction in pesticide use and the
Roundup Ready Flex® variety has virtually eliminated the need to use some controversial soil-applied herbicides.
DPI&F, in participation with industry and the Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry, has developed a co-existence strategy for genetically modified (GM) crops. This strategy provides the framework to allow producers to grow and market GM crops and non GM crops in a way that keeps each type of produce segregated through the supply chain. DPI&F also coordinated the disaster relief assistance to primary producers affected by the flooding in Central Queensland in January 2008. The impacts included the loss of approximately $22 million of cereal grains and $14 million of cotton as well as infrastructure damage. Support includes freight subsidies, grants for clean up, concessional loans, farm financial counseling service and on the ground assistance. Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 4:29 PM
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