Tropical North Queensland Rural Report

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Adam Stephen

Code of conduct for introduced grasses


A group of ecologists and weed scientists are calling on the Federal Government to get tough on introduced pasture grasses which are spreading across northern Australia.

Whilst not wanting species like buffel grass banned, the Invasive Species Council wants codes of conduct created which make graziers responsible for managing the spread.

Queensland ecologist Tim Low sits on the ISC and he says there's a number of introduced grasses which are threatening biodiversity and need to be reigned in.

Consumers want single organic label


Organic consumers want a single label to increase their confidence in the produce they're buying.

An Organic Federation of Australia commissioned newspoll survey found 72 per cent of organic food buyers want one label to make things easier to identify.

Currently there's no single organic label in Australia, with up to 15 different symbols displayed on produce depending on which company did the certifying.

Organic Federation of Australia chairman André Leu says consumer want the words 'certified organic' displayed clearly on the produce.

Keeping the worst at bay


We're forever hearing that our northern neighbours host many pests and diseases which could decimate Australian agriculture if they ever got into the country.

So how do we keep them out?

It's a task that falls to the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.

Since 1989, the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy has been used to identify pests and diseases at risk of entering the country through its northern borders.

A number of strategies are then used to ensure they don't infiltrate.

Beth Cookson is a veterinary officer with AQIS and she talks us through the challenges involved.

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