July 14, 2014

The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) has launched a new online tool which allows farmers to investigate almost 100 options for diversifying their enterprise. The search tool, located on the www.farmdiversity.com.au website is free and easy to use. After simply entering their postcode, farmers see a ‘shortlist’ of industries that may be viable in their area. More specific search information, such as rainfall, soil type and climate zone can be used to refine

New legislation passed through the Senate this week will ensure Australian farmers retain access to safe and effective farm chemicals—an outcome strongly welcomed by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF). The legislation, titled the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Legislation Amendment (Removing Re-approval and Re-registration) Bill 2014, will ease the unnecessary regulatory burden imposed on Australian agriculture, by removing the requirement to re-register already approved safe and effective chemicals used on Australian farms. Chair of the NFF