Canberra Group Seminars

Forthcoming Events

ACT - Fisheries and Sustainability

WHEN:    Wednesday 24 March, 5.00-6.45 pm

WHERE:  University of Canberra, Lecture Theatre 12B2 (Building 12: enter off Ginninderra or Haydon Drive)

RSVP by Monday 22 March
Includes pre- and post-symposium refreshments

Speakers:
~ Perry Smith (Food Market Economist, Consultant): Fisheries – production statistics (overview of seafood supplies and consumption in Australia; some of the economic and marketing issues associated with the fisheries industry).
~ Bob Kearney (Emeritus Professor of Fisheries, University of Canberra) ~ Fisheries – sustainability (review of sustainability of the fisheries industry; Bob argues that no fish species in Australia is in danger of extinction from overfishing. Are there enough fish to feed the population if we all followed the Dietary Guidelines?).

FREE for NSA members and $10 for others. RSVP to nsaact@gmail.com; 0431 434 664. For more details, click HERE

Reports on 2009 Events

Free Symposium ‘Australia’s food supply’ (plus pre- and post-symposium refreshments) RSVP by Nov 30

WHEN:      Thursday 3 December

WHERE:     University of Canberra, Lecture Theatre 6B45

               (behind Bld 3 – enter off Ginninderra or Haydon Drive)

At this symposium. Dr Ryan Wilson (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) drew on information from the latest edition of Australian food statistics (2008) and Dr Geoffrey Annison (Australian Food and Grocery Council) drew on information from the recently released AFGC report The state of the industry 2009.

Food production in Australia is a significant contributor to the economy. There has been a gradual increase in farm production over the last few decades, of which approximately two thirds is exported. Grains and meat (live animals and whole carcasses) are main contributors to exports. Australia imports a smaller proportion of food, much of which is processed seafood and fruit and vegetables.

Demand factors on the food supply chain include population growth, income and diet preferences. Australia’s food manufacturing sector is particularly responsive to consumer trends, which at present lend towards affordable, safe and convenient food. Supply factors include weather conditions and input costs. The food industry continues to face a number of challenges, namely waste management, climate change, financial

(provided by Peta Craig )