RIRDC research to unveil new insights on national rural issues

THIS Wednesday, August 5, the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) will release three new research reports from its National Rural Issues program in Canberra.

The National Rural Issues program aims to consider themes that cover multiple industries and in areas where industry and government leaders need independent advice to help inform their roles.

Authored by some of Australia’s leading rural industry experts from organisations like the CSIRO, the Australian Farm Institute and various universities, the reports highlight lessons which will help inform the future positioning of the Australian agricultural sector. The reports include:

• ‘Australian Farm Business Performance – insights from effective farm business managers’ contributes to an improved understanding of farm business performance across selected Australian agricultural industries. It provides insights into how highly effective producers analyse and innovate in their businesses to achieve their goals.
• Geographical Indications of Origin have so far only been used for wine in Australia. However the ‘Provenance of Australian food products – is there a place for Geographical Indications?’ argues that there is reason to seriously consider potential advantages of such a tool for regional development. For example this tool has facilitated the promotion of premium wine and associated tourism in Queensland, a state not normally associated with wine production.
• ‘Collective Bargaining in the Agricultural Sector’ examines why Australian farmers seem to underutilise the provisions of competition law which would enable collective action in purchasing and selling. The report analyses the factors impacting the uptake of collective bargaining opportunities across a wide range of food products. It suggests how farmers could improve their bargaining position in the future.

Two other pieces of research will be released on Friday August 14 ; one that synthesises the big-picture 15 to 20 year agricultural sector megatrends, and the other considers factors that will influence Australian farm competitiveness in the global marketplace.

EVENT DETAILS

WHEN: 3pm – 5.30pm, 5 August 2015 (followed by drinks and canapés), with media interview opportunities with RIRDC and report authors
WHERE: The Boat House by the Lake (West End Room), Grevillea Park, Menindee Dr, Barton, ACT
  

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