 |
 |
5 June 2007 |
 |
| Tomorrow – ABARE's Regional OUTLOOK conference in Griffith |
 |
| With a diverse range of speakers and perspectives, ABARE's Griffith Regional OUTLOOK conference will explore the global community overview, OUTLOOK for crops and livestock, managing water risk on-farm and export issues, across four sessions and 12 speakers. The Griffith Regional OUTLOOK conference, on Wednesday 4 June, is a valuable forum to access market assessments and forecasts for a range of agricultural industries, with local and ABARE speakers presenting on these issues. The conference"s opening address will be delivered by Kay Hull MP, Member for Riverina. In the opening session ABARE Chief Commodity Analyst Dr Terry Sheales will deliver the global commodity overview, and NAB"s Rod Fraser will explore on-farm risk management. Delegates at session two – agriculture: opportunities and challenges – will hear from Leanne Lawrance, ABARE commodity analyst, with the OUTLOOK for crops and livestock; Paul Troja, Rockdale Beef on the changing profile of agricultural activities; and Glen Andreazza discussing adapting cropping practices to maintain profitability. Session three focuses on water – the way forward, with Rob Webb from the Bureau of Meteorology on the drivers of weather and climate trends; Rob Houghton on managing water risk on-farm; and Murrumbidgee Irrigation Limited"s Matt Linnegar on the Murrumbidgee River Reach project. The conference concludes with session four that looks at exporting from regional Australia. Speakers include Paul Morris from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on creating opportunities in a competitive global market; Sue Brighenti, Sumar Produce on the citrus export industry: a local perspective; and concluding with Paul Lenon from Westend Estate on the challenges of building an export market. Conference registration is $77, including conference admission, copies of available speakers' papers, lunch and morning and afternoon tea. Registration for media is complimentary. Date: Wednesday 4 June 2007 Venue: Gemini Function Centre, Banna Avenue, Griffith NSW Time: Registration from 8.30am, conference 9.00am – 5.00pm Cost: $77 pp (inc GST) Contact: Erica Bruen, ABARE on mobile 0408 487 825. Download the conference program at www.abare.gov.au/regional |
 |
| For media interviews and comment, please contact ABARE Chief Commodity Analyst Dr Terry Sheales on mobile 0438 236 749. For general media enquiries, contact Maree Finnegan, Media Coordinator on 02 6272 2260, mobile 0417 689 567 or email mfinnegan@abare.gov.au. |
|