abare.gov.au

7 October 2008

Tomorrow – ABARE’s Regional Outlook conference in Hobart

Tasmanian broadacre farms are estimated to have recorded a small improvement in average farm cash income compared with the national average in 2007-08, with average farm cash income estimated to have risen from $34,200 in 2006-07 to around $42,000 in 2007-08.

This, and the outlook for Tasmanian agriculture and farm performance, will be one of 12 presentations at ABARE’s Hobart Regional Outlook conference on Wednesday 8 October. The Hon Duncan Kerr, member for Denison, will open the conference.

The full day conference features four sessions and 12 speakers exploring regional issues including how the global economy affects Tasmania, future directions in agriculture, climate change and developing vibrant regions, plus ABARE’s latest forecasts and market assessments.

The conference is open to everyone, to discover more information about their region, make new contacts, discuss industry trends and access information that can encourage innovative approaches to traditional issues.

The conference begins with the overview session and the opening address by the Hon Duncan Kerr, then presentations from Phillip Glyde, ABARE’s Executive Director on The road ahead and Tony Pearson, of ANZ on A banker’s perspective on interest rates.

The second session agriculture – future directions, includes Michael Flower, of ANZ on How financial institutions can contribute to sustainable communities; Peter Berry, ABARE analyst on Outlook and farm performance and Ronald Thompson, Nuffield scholar, exploring Keeping farmers in agriculture.

Changing climate, changing directions is the third session with Melanie Ford, ABARE analyst, discussing Climate change – preparing for carbon trading; Bob Reid of TasGlobal Seeds on Drought proofing and methane reduction – thinking outside the square; and concluding with Ian Barnes-Keoghan, Bureau of Meteorology on Coping with short and long-term climate change.

The final session is vibrant regions and includes Johann Joubert, New Life Industries on Hydroponic farming: benefiting the environment; Mark Ryan, Tassal Group Limited on Sussing out sustainability; and Robert Nichols, of Nichols Poultry on The answer may be ‘blowing in the wind’.

Registration for media is complimentary.

Date:      Wednesday 8 October 2008
Venue:    The Old Woolstore, 1 Macquarie St, Hobart, Tas
Time:      Registration from 8.30am, conference 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost:   $77 pp (inc GST) including conference admission, copies of available speakers’ papers, lunch and morning and afternoon tea.
Contact: Angela Ellerman, ABARE on mobile 0408 487 825.

Download the conference program at www.abare.gov.au/regional

For media interviews and comment, please contact Dr Jammie Penm, Chief Commodity Analyst on 02 6272 2030 or 0408 686 219. For media enquiries, contact Maree Finnegan, Media Coordinator on mobile 0417 689 567.