eNews 12 November 2019 - Local Agriculture Cracks One Billion Dollars
FROM THE DESK OF CHDC'S AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
In this eNews: Agricultural GVP in the Central Highlands officially cracks $1 billion in 2017-18; Fully-funded scholarship program for young rural women interested drones; Trade Investment 2019 Exporter Market Engagement Program; and Grains Research GRDC Update at Capella.
Agriculture in the Central Highlands has officially cracked billion dollar mark
ACIL Allen has delivered its fourth Central Highlands Agribusiness Capability Statement and Regional Stocktake, providing a summary of outcomes for agriculture in our region for FYE 2018. The snapshot provides an annual update on production and business data trends across key commodities for the Central Highlands to inform future analysis and policy development.
The Central Highlands delivered $1.03 billion in agricultural value, up from $839 million FYE 2017, and $780 million in FYE 2016 (ACIL Allen based on ABS, 2017-18). Cattle grazing remains the largest agricultural activity, generating $576 million. Cotton had the biggest increase and is another key driver of value, rising from $63 million to $194 million in 2017-18. According to official data, the value of production of wheat and sorghum was $59 million while pulses (chickpeas) had an economic value of $73 million. Horticultural crops remained stable or increased in value.
The declaration of drought in 2019 will likely see significant changes in the 2020 update however, the region continues to perform strongly in agricultural production regardless of a dryer than usual climate.
Fantastic opportunity for young rural women interested in drones
UAVAIR has received a Commonwealth grant from the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science to deliver a program as part of the Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship program. UAVAIR is offering fully-funded scholarships for the Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot - Visual Line of Sight) qualification.
Participants will receive:
• Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot - Visual Line of Sight) qualification;
• Aeronautical Radio Certificate;
• Remote Pilots Licence (RePL) CASA issued.
The Program includes an online learning component and 7 days of face-to-face delivery, with expected completion by end of 2019. UAVAIR will be aiming to conduct face-to-face training on the 30th November 2019 in Emerald.
To be eligible for the program, you must be female, aged between 16 and 25 years, and committed to completing the full qualification and attending all face-to-face days.
There is a very simple Expression of Interest form (available for download in the grey sidebar to the right) with more information and contact details. I just wish I was 25 again so that I could do the course!
Applications close on Wednesday 20 November for Trade Investment 2019 Exporter Market Engagement Program
There's not long to go before applications close for the Trade Investment 2019 Exporter Market Engagement Program (EMEP) - a program that supports Queensland SMEs to visit overseas markets to further their export ambitions.
Previously known as the Developing Future Leaders Program, the EMEP supports SMEs to spend time in one of TIQ's overseas offices to undertake in-market research, build networks and identify export opportunities.
Successful applicants receive $7,000 in funding and in-market support from local TIQ staff. Previous participants in the program have highly praised the program and achieved a range of outcomes, including new export deals.
Up to 20 SMEs will be funded under the current program. For more information on this year's program, including eligibility criteria, click here.
If you have any questions or thoughts about the EMEP, please email TIQ's Gayatri Alluri.
Grains Research GRDC Update at Capella
Join the CQ grains community to catch up with the latest grains research for Central Queensland at the Grains Research GRDC Update.
Date: Wednesday, 27 November 2019
Time: 8:30am for a 9:00am start. Finish 3:00pm.
Venue: Capella Cultural Centre, 89 Peak Downs Rd, Capella, QLD
Early Happy Christmas and Leave during December and January
I'll be on extended leave from 1 December 2019 to 24 January 2020 and have no access to emails or phone. Hooray! Please contact the CHDC Office on (07) 4982 4386 and they will direct you to the appropriate person to help. Have a safe and happy Christmas and let's hope 2020 brings rain and good seasons.
Contact CHDC Agribusiness Development Coordinator Liz Alexander E: ealexander@chdc.com.au or M: 0429 471 511 for more information.
Thank so much to the brilliant volunteers who made AgTeCH19 happen last week (from left to right): Sonya Comiskey CHDC, Richard Weston Vanderfield V-Net, Simone Parker CHRRUP, Mayor Kerry Hayes, Kylie Hawkins CHDC, Alistair Ross Komatsu, Liz Alexander CHDC, Andrew Bate SwarmFarm, Aaron Kiely Central Highlands Cotton Growers & Irrigators Association, Emma Brotherton Bayer, Corey Colthup Vanderfield. Missing in action Darren Aisthorpe DAF, Jocie Bate SwarmFarm, Chris Brennan ACHMEA, Jono Faris Angus Australia, Ben Hardy formerly, Pioneer, Susan McDonnell Grains Research Development Corporation, Paul Stapleton PLF Australia.