No images? Click here 11 June 2024 Western Australian agrifood export eNewsThe Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) wants to hear from you. We're inviting Western Australian agribusinesses to share their trade and investment aspirations for the rest of 2024, 2025 and beyond. Your input is crucial. It will help DPIRD tailor future support services to empower the WA agrifood and beverage sector. It takes less than 5 minutes to complete the WA Agribusiness Trade and Investment Aspirations 2024 survey. Don't miss this last chance to shape the support you need to achieve your export goals. Source and Photo: DPIRD [WA trade delegation retail visit during Gulfood, Dubai 2023.] Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is designing a modern and streamlined enhanced exports traceability system to support overseas market access for exports of agricultural products. The program will include developing a new export documentation system (NEXDOC), modernising the existing IT system platforms of EXDOC (Export Documentation System) and enhancement to the Tracking Animal Certification Exports (TRACE) system and the Plant Exports Management System (PEMS). Modernisation activities will strengthen Australia’s reputation as a provider of high-quality agricultural commodities, underpinned by robust, digitally enhanced services and regulatory practices. This will allow industry to be more competitive in international markets by reducing regulatory costs, while maintaining our strong regulatory reputation. NEXDOC registrations for seafood exporters opened on 28 May 2024. DAFF has organised drop in sessions, available for exporters, agents, software and other interested industry people to walk through the steps to register their organisation on NEXDOC. Sessions still available are: Source and Graphic: DAFF On May 15, 2024, the Parliament of Australia Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth, prompted by a referral from Senator Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, resolved to inquire into and report on the understanding and utilisation of benefits available to Australian industry and communities under Free Trade Agreements. The Committee invites submissions addressing the terms of reference by 21 June 2024. For further information, please contact the secretariat at jsctig@aph.gov.au. Source: Parliament of Australia | Photo: DFAT Indonesia’s Law 33/2014 on Halal Product Assurance and its associated regulations (the Halal Law) is being phased in over a 15-year period. Compliance will become mandatory for the first tranche of products on 17 October 2024. Australian exporters will need to meet these requirements to maintain or gain access to the Indonesian market. The Halal Law mandates new halal certification requirements for products seeking to enter the Indonesian market. It also greatly expands the range of products and export services for which it will be necessary to have halal certification. Those exporters accustomed to complying with Indonesia’s previous halal certification regime will need to make changes to their current halal certification practices to ensure they remain compliant. For further information on complying with Halal requirements for exports to Indonesia, please refer to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade guide Complying with Indonesian halal requirements. Source: DFAT | Photo: Budi Puspa Wijaya / Unsplash [Lumpia or lunpia, a traditional spring roll snack from Semarang, Indonesia.] Drone revolution takes off in WA agricultureThe vast agricultural landscape of Western Australia is witnessing a transformation, spearheaded by drone technology. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are rapidly becoming the cornerstone of precision agriculture, empowering farmers with unparalleled field management and monitoring capabilities. This sophisticated technology is shaking up traditional practices, boosting productivity, and minimising environmental impact through targeted pesticide application. The economic benefits are undeniable, with projections indicating cost savings between $310 million and $940 million for Australian agriculture by 2040. But the impact goes beyond just finances. Drone technology aligns perfectly with the global shift towards sustainable practices by reducing reliance on pesticides and water. Currently, drones are making their mark on roughly 10% of Australian agricultural businesses, and this number is poised for a significant rise. By 2040, estimates suggest a staggering 23,900 drone units could be operational within the sector. This surge reflects the growing recognition of drones' potential to address critical agricultural challenges like climate change and workforce limitations. Australia is at the forefront of this agricultural innovation, with drones playing a central role. These tools are proving to be game-changers, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and promoting environmental responsibility. The adoption of drone technology marks a new era for Australian agriculture, with the sky becoming the canvas for progress and opportunity. On the local front, WA company Australia Agritech manufactures drones to help farmers reduce costs, boost yields and achieve sustainable agriculture credentials. The company recently launched its T50 and T25 models, providing practical and eco-friendly tools for modern farming. Source: CCIWA / DITRDCA | Photo: CCIWA Food security remains a serious challenge in Asia and the Pacific, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This region has the highest number of people facing acute food insecurity worldwide. The ADB outlines five pathways to transform food systems in Asia and the Pacific. These include: strengthening emergency response mechanisms with social safety nets and climate-resilient infrastructure; promoting a collaborative and efficient value chain with digitalisation across the food system; adopting nature-based solutions like organic fertilisers and wetland management; investing in productivity-enhancing infrastructure for better transportation and storage; and finally, improving access to healthy diets through education and diversification. As a leading food exporter, Australia is well-positioned to significantly bolster food security in Asia. Collaboration on research can develop climate-resilient crops, while sharing digital farming technology empowers Asian farmers. Australian knowledge in sustainable practices and infrastructure development can further strengthen food security and nutrition across Asia.Source and Photo: ADB | Related: How Australia can help Indonesia achieve food security Source: Australian Financial Review [paid subscription] Further informationAgribusiness, commercial fishing and aquaculture news from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). If you have any questions or information to share, please email export@dpird.wa.gov.au. Subscribe to Western Australian agrifood export eNews. Important disclaimer Copyright © State of Western Australia (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), 2024. |