October 11th, 2009 nola
Standards Australian has introduced strict industry requirements for products labelled organic are genuinely organic.
The standard establishes an agreed set of procedures for the production, preparation, transportation, marketing and labelling of organic and biodynamic food products as well as textiles.
The development of the standard comes after an increase in unsubstantiated claims on labels and will make it easier to prosecute unscrupulous companies by clearly defining what qualifies as organic.
Mr John Tucker CEO of Standards Australia said consumers had led the demand for change in the multi-million dollar industry, which was now mainstream.
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October 11th, 2009 nola
Expensive Mangos - for a Good Cause
Susan Lorenti from the Clayfield Markets was named Mango Queen when she purchase tray of 12 mangoes for $45,000 at this year’s mango auction at the Brisbane Markets.
Markets spokeswoman Ann Marie Johansen says today’s event raised about $70,000 for two Queensland charities; Life Education Queensland and Red Kite.
Source: abc.net.au
Publication date: 10/8/2009
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October 11th, 2009 nola
Since its launch in 2004, the prestigious Vogue Entertaining + Travel Produce Awards has been uncovering and celebrating Australia’s finest producers and suppliers.
The awards acknowledge those who are committed to quality and consistency in what they grow and create, and food lovers who promote small producers through restaurants, providores and markets. Now bigger than ever, the 2010 Vogue Entertaining + Travel Produce Awards are open for nominations.
Nominate your favourite Australian producer and win a prize worth over $5,000
Nominate your favourite producers for the 2010 Vogue Entertaining + Travel Produce Awards and win a two-night package for two, worth over $5,000, at luxury Queensland resort Qualia. For more information and to nominate, see categories below, simply email produce@vogueentertaining.com.au
For the full list of winners and finalists of the 2009 Vogue Entertaining + Travel Produce Awards, download this PDF.
Source: Vogue Entertaining + Travel - August 2009
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October 11th, 2009 nola
German farmers; Peter and Paul Hof were operating a service delivering milk to their customers. Finding this too time-consuming, they began encouraging customers to collect the milk from fridges on their farm, which proved successful and inspired them to use vending machines as a more versatile solution. The result of collaboration between the farm and vending manufacturer Stuewer, the specially designed Regiomat machines currently sell fresh milk, eggs, butter, cheese, potatoes and sausage in thirteen German towns and communities.
The Regiomat machines can be placed outdoors 365 days a year as long as they’re under a roof (some have even been placed alongside hiking trails in Switzerland), effectively giving locals a 24-hour farmers’ market and farmers a lot more free time. By cutting out the middleman, this system also offers potential savings over retail stores.
If you understand the german language check out the websites: www.stuewer.de/automaten/regiomat/index.htm and http://www.peter-paul-hof.de
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October 11th, 2009 nola
A new report recently published by the French Agency for Food Safety (AFSSA) has found that organic foods are more nutritious and contain less pesticides and nitrates, which have been linked to a range of health problems including diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
A nutritionist for the Biological Farmers of Australia, Shane Heaton said the research is a “thorough and critical evaluation of the nutritional quality of organic food, and has found organic foods have higher levels of minerals and antioxidants as well as a raft of other benefits”.
“Contrary to another recently released review commissioned by the UK Food Standards Agency and widely reported in the media as showing organic food have no significant benefits over non-organic food.”
“This review does the question justice by comparing not just a handful of nutrients but also dry matter content, antioxidant content, pesticide levels, and nitrate content. Organic wins out over ordinary food in every respect.”
A full scientific report can be found at www.swroc.cfans.umn.edu/organic/ASD_Lairon_2009.pdf
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October 11th, 2009 nola
Food & Hotel Asia 2010 (FHA2010)
Singapore 20-23 April 2010
Since its debut in 1978, FHA (Food&HotelAsia) has always been the premier sourcing platform for thousands of food and hospitality trade buyers in Asia. With a spectacular showcase of the latest products, services and technologies from market leaders, FHA addresses the procurement needs of trade buyers and provides an abundance of networking opportunities for Asia’s food and hospitality industry.
With an expansion into 82,000sqm of exhibiting space, the 17th edition of FHA2010 certainly lives up to its reputation as Asia’s largest international food and hospitality trade event. Strictly for trade visitors only, FHA2010 will gather an estimated 2,800 international exhibiting companies from about 70 countries / regions. To be held from 20 – 23 April 2010, FHA2010 will also have a host of exciting culinary competitions and insightful conferences to enhance the entire experience!
FHA2010 - An All-Encompassing Food & Hospitality Trade Event
FHA2010 encompasses specialised events – FoodAsia, HotelAsia, Bakery&Pastry, HospitalityStyleAsia and HospitalityTechnology all under one roof! Each event has its own dedicated area within the exhibition halls that will cater to the specific industry sectors. Click on the icons below to find out more about each of the specialised events!
FHA’s impressive turnout of 52,901 (41% overseas) trade attendees in 2008 once again affirmed the biennial event’s reputation as THE sourcing ground for the region’s food and hospitality industry.
URL: http://www.foodnhotelasia.com
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September 15th, 2009 nola
Australian Institute of Management’s Young Manager Program is designed for young business people who are starting out and finding their way on their managerial journey.
For Course Directory click here
Date: Tuesday 15 September 2009
Duration: 3 days, Face-to-Face
Time: 8.30am to 4.30pm
Venue: WHK Greenwoods
232 Mulgrave Road, Westcourt, Cairns
Cost: $1350.00 or $1200.00 AIM Members
Bookings: Book online Click Here for bookings or call 1300 882 895
It explores the people side of management starting with understanding self then moving to leading and managing others. Participants will learn from fellow ‘emerging’ managers, all of whom will be seeking similar guidance for navigating the complex world of management.
It’s a must for any new manager who is making the transition from team member to team leader.
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September 15th, 2009 nola
Austrade in partnership with the Queensland Government would like to invite you to attend an Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) Coaching workshop. These small-group, personalised sessions will help you get EMDG ready and maximise your grant entitlement.
When: Wednesday 30 September 2009
Time: 9.00am – 11.15am
Venue: Cairns Colonial Club, Somerset room
Address: Behan Street, Manunda
Car Parking: Available at the Conference centre on Behan street
Bookings: see http://www.austrade.gov.au/Coachingsessions/
This workshop is free of charge and will cover topics such as:
• How to apply for an EMDG Grant
• How EMDG assists Australian exporters
• Who is eligible for a Grant
• What can be claimed under the Grant scheme
• How to complete an application form
• Guide to Record keeping
• Tips and Hints on how to get the best out of the scheme.
• Changes for the 2008/09 grant year
Research indicates that, on average, companies attending coaching workshops
receive larger grants, receive their grants faster and find the application process
easier. Clients also feel more confident to self-prepare their application.
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September 15th, 2009 nola
There are several trade missions going to PNG from the region looking at capitalising on opportunities coming out of the mining projects in PNG
Austrade Mission - 26-30 October - contact John Bissell for details 40481113 or 0418186796
Cairns Chamber of Commerce Members to PNG on 10/11 November - contact Sandy Whyte 40311838
Trade Queensland Mission 16-19 November - contact John Bissell 40481113 or 0418186796
For more information png-resources-2009-event-brochure1
Papua New Guinea Mining Opportunities Breakfast
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is currently experiencing unprecedented mining expansion and growth with current economic activity defying the global financial crisis.
The Interoil and Exxon Mobil Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) projects include investments in excess of $25 billion and new and existing gold and copper mines have significant commercial potential for the Cairns region’s tropical expertise sector.
A breakfast has been scheduled Wednesday, 23 September with guest speakers highly knowledgeable on the ins and outs of doing business in PNG, commercial opportunities and how to engage.
Your breakfast invitation to this event
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September 15th, 2009 nola
31 August 2009 DAFF09/309B
The Rudd Government is strengthening its push to lure more tourists to regional areas by promoting the fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, nuts and other produce for sale at the farm-gate.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke launched an initial study in March, to look at what drives food tourism and how the industry could grow.
After a strong industry response, the Bureau of Rural Sciences study will be expanded to investigate particular businesses and regions in more detail.
Food tourism, or agri-tourism, can include food and wine trails, farm stays and farmers’ markets, outback adventures, working holidays on farms, conservation volunteering and processing plant tours.
It allows farmers to diversify their income and promote their fresh produce by selling directly at the farm-gate or local markets.
Food tourism is already a key industry in many regional economies such as the Tamar Valley in Tasmania; the Harvest Highway in Western Australia; Orange and the Northern Rivers in NSW and Gippsland in Victoria.
The expansion of the project will see further studies carried out in these regions following the initial work and, for the first time, the Tropical North region in Queensland.
Studies have shown that food tourism can generate one-fifth of farmers’ income.
According to the International Visitor Survey 2008 and National Visitor Survey 2008, half of all tourism spending is outside of our capital cities, worth $38.9 billion.
Mr Burke said farmers were constantly looking for ways to diversify their businesses, particularly in the face of challenges such as climate change.
“Food is a big part of family holidays for Australians and overseas visitors and we have the best produce to offer as they drive through the regions,” Mr Burke said.
“Food tourism tells everyone you don’t have to have an Australian holiday on a beach – you can have a holiday on a plate.”
The project, funded under Australia’s Farming Future, is expected to be completed early in 2010.
http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/august/stronger_push_to_attract_tourists_to_the_farm-gate
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