Community Trust In Rural Industries 2022-2025 - Joint RDC Initiative
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$48,855.43
Summary
A continuation of representative national surveys of the Australian public regarding attitudes towards trust and acceptance of rural industries, trends shifts, and drivers. Objectives: 1. Develop capability across the sector to monitor, anticipate and respond to shifts in the levels oftrust the community has in Australia's rural industries. 2. Build a common language and collective national narrative around the community trust challenge. 3. Identify common best practi ....A continuation of representative national surveys of the Australian public regarding attitudes towards trust and acceptance of rural industries, trends shifts, and drivers. Objectives: 1. Develop capability across the sector to monitor, anticipate and respond to shifts in the levels oftrust the community has in Australia's rural industries. 2. Build a common language and collective national narrative around the community trust challenge. 3. Identify common best practice approaches, strategies and interventions for building, rebuilding andmaintaining community trust. Read moreRead less
Developing Environmental Management Standards For The Australian Seafood Industry
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$229,841.00
Summary
The seafood industry is acutely aware that the community has become increasingly sceptical about assurances from industry and government regarding the state of the environment generally and in particular the environmental performance of industries which interact with the natural environment.
Development of nationally and internationally recognised environmental management standards using the SeaQual Australia process will assist to: . achieve significant cultural change within the ....The seafood industry is acutely aware that the community has become increasingly sceptical about assurances from industry and government regarding the state of the environment generally and in particular the environmental performance of industries which interact with the natural environment.
Development of nationally and internationally recognised environmental management standards using the SeaQual Australia process will assist to: . achieve significant cultural change within the fishing and associated industries; . focus the industry clearly on continuous improvement of its environmental performance; and . gain international and domestic recognition that the industry is operating within environmental standards appropriate for the marine environment.
This project is an opportunity for governments and industry to lead the way internationally with the development and implementation of fisheries environmental standards which will engender public confidence in the way fisheries and the marine environment generally are being managed and that fisheries resources are being used sustainably.
To achieve this there is an urgent need to develop an environmental management system framework which provides realistic and achievable options for environmental accreditation/certification for each of the diverse range of fisheries in Australia. Such a framework needs to be also supported by access to tools and expertise to assist each fishery to determine appropriate environmental management systems for that fishery and to help the fishery to commence the journey of continued improvement in environmental performance (See Attachment 1).
This project will build on initiatives such as Greening Australia's Fisheries, SeaNet and SeaQual Australia to ensure that research outcomes relating to environmental performance are adopted by industry within an appropriate context.
Working together, SeaQual Australia, operating as part of Seafood Services Australia, will provide resources and guidance in the development of a "green chooser" and other products (including environmental management standards development) while SeaNet will provide the all important face-to-face assistance with using such products and with ensuring that their development is soundly based on industry needs.
Building on the work being undertaken by SCFA in relation to Fisheries ESD indicators, this project will commence the development of environmental management standards which can be assessed by independent 3rd party auditors.
While this project has been identified under the industry development program of FRDC it is extremely relevant to the other two FRDC programs eg achieving resource sustainability through fisheries management improvement. Continued improvement of the industry's environmental performance will be key outcomes of the project. This project is also targeted to address State priorities identified by the State FRABs. In all cases improving environmental performance is a high priority. The priorities identified by the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture will also be addressed.
This project provides a unique opportunity to ensure that research results and outcomes are adopted and implemented to the satisfaction of all stakeholders. By working closely with the SCFA ESD reference group, the development of ESD indicators (SCFA project) and the tools required to assist industry stakeholders to meet them (this project) can occur in a systematic pragmatic way and assist in achievement of the desired outcomes. Objectives: 1. To provide a framework and support to enable fisheries in Australia to determine and achieve an appropriate level of environmental accreditation/certification through implementation of an environmental management system relevant to each fishery underpinned by a commitment to continuous improvement. 2. Expand the capacity for SeaNet to provide expertise and assistance to industry groups in improving their management practices and in positioning themselves to implement appropriate environmental management systems and standards for their fisheries. 3. To develop a support tool to guide decisions on appropriate environmental management systems ie "a SeaQual green chooser". 4. To develop nationally and internationally recognised prerequisites for environmental management standards adopted by fisheries throughout Australia. 5. To identify, document and disseminate environmental best practice technologies and techniques to fisheries. Read moreRead less
Establishment Of The Seafood Services Australia Stage 1 - Seafood Quality Management And Seafood Safety (SeaQual Australia)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$1,519,007.62
Summary
Like many of Australia's primary industries the seafood industry needs to adjust constantly to changing consumer preferences and expectations and changing market conditions. The seafood industry also has to contend with changes in the availability of the resource.
Industry and governments throughout Australia recognise the need to support the continued growth of an internationally competitive sustainable seafood industry in Australia. This need has resulted in a significant increase ....Like many of Australia's primary industries the seafood industry needs to adjust constantly to changing consumer preferences and expectations and changing market conditions. The seafood industry also has to contend with changes in the availability of the resource.
Industry and governments throughout Australia recognise the need to support the continued growth of an internationally competitive sustainable seafood industry in Australia. This need has resulted in a significant increase in the pace and scope of regulatory reform and policy changes (environmental management, food safety, occupational health and safety, training, marketing etc). Thus the operating environment is in a state of constant change as it moves towards one of increased industry self regulation and responsibility.
There are significant challenges in achieving sustainable industry development - one of the most pressing is the need to drive a cultural change which results in an industry following world's best practice in management and operations ensuring that there is maximum return for the resource.
Consumers and therefore governments are increasingly demanding assurance that the food they eat is safe. Regulatory reform in this area is being driven by the Australia New Zealand Food Authority in the development and implementation of the proposed National Food Safety Code. Victoria has already passed their legislation and other States have drafted legislation ready for consideration by their governments.
The international trade environment is also changing rapidly with increased scope for implementation of non tariff barriers to exports - typically relating to food quality and environmental management. The economic crisis in Asia has already negatively affected the levels of Australian seafood exports, a trend which is expected to continue unless there is an increased focus on identifying and meeting the needs of the marketplace.
Developing seafood industry standards (accepted nationally and internationally) incorporating food safety, quality and environmental management elements provides a significant opportunity to ensure change occurs to meet these challenges.
With the operating environment changing so rapidly there is an increasing need for the development and adoption of seafood industry standards (accepted nationally and internationally) incorporating food safety, quality and environmental management elements. The standards development process provides a significant opportunity to ensure that the cultural change required to achieve the vision for the industry will occur.
The capabilities that are proposed to be brought under an "Australian Seafood Centre" (ASC) would provide the impetus to develop and manage the adoption of such standards and would provide coordinated products and services to all stakeholders.. With many industry development initiatives existing at State and National level there are significant opportunities for achieving a bigger and faster impact through better networking and integration. The ASC would provide a focus for post harvest initiatives, creating critical mass for achieving significant outcomes to benefit all stakeholders (government and industry).
The recently released SeaQual strategic plan "The Seafood industry's Strategic Plan for Achieving Seafood Excellence" identifies five key goals and a number of strategies for achieving them. The plan identifies the roles and responsibilities of industry and government stakeholders and recognises that success will depend on commitment from all stakeholders including the allocation of appropriate resources.
At the recent workshop held in Queensland, all States identified the need for work to be done in relation to seafood safety and quality, particularly in the development of agreed and accredited industry guidelines and in the eventual development of agreed industry standards. It was agreed that SeaQual Australia could provide immediate benefits to all States by providing key linkages with agencies with responsibility for food regulation and by networking the State based SeaQual operations.
The proposed development of an “Australian Seafood Centre” initially with seafood safety and quality management capabilities – SeaQual Australia is a major and complex project which will need both a strategic and an operational focus. It will meet the need to manage and review the implementation of the Strategic Plan while achieving the synergies and consequent cost efficiencies through the provision of a “single window” to the seafood industry on food safety and quality issues. It will ultimately do the same for all post harvest activities. Objectives: 1. Establish SeaQual Australia (SeaQual Mark 2) and State SeaQuals in each State and the Northern Territory 2. Implement the Seafood Industry's Strategic Plan for Achieving Seafood Excellence" (SISPASE) with a high priority on Food Safety and Quality Management 3. Establish the Australian Seafood Centre: delivery of cost effective, competitively priced seafood post harvest services through the integration of new and existing services (including SeaQual Australia) under one centre Read moreRead less
The seafood industry has experienced significant profitability problems in recent years. Part of this lies with its operational focus and lack of self promotion, especially as compared to its competitors in the Australian market – meat, chicken and pork. As a result, the volume of seafood consumption is relatively low, especially in homes. At the same time, import competition has developed rapidly, exposing the industry to even greater price and volume pressure. For the industry to be success ....The seafood industry has experienced significant profitability problems in recent years. Part of this lies with its operational focus and lack of self promotion, especially as compared to its competitors in the Australian market – meat, chicken and pork. As a result, the volume of seafood consumption is relatively low, especially in homes. At the same time, import competition has developed rapidly, exposing the industry to even greater price and volume pressure. For the industry to be successful a range of changes are required, but promotion to improve both volume and price is an urgent need.
The task now is to take the outcomes of this process to industry, explain the program and benefits in detail and receive feedback as to how the program can be adjusted to best suit the needs of each seafood sector/species.
A broad strategy for seafood promotion generally has been prepared and a specific strategy for the Australian market. The next step is to take these strategies to industry, explain what is proposed, receive further sector/species input and seek support for SEA and its strategies. Objectives: 1. An understanding of what the SEA organisation is about and what they are proposing. 2. Increased membership of SEA 3. Broad seafood industry ownership of the SEA Australian Premium Seafood promotional strategy. 4. Improved SEA knowledge of seafood sector/species requirements. Read moreRead less
Fostering A Partnership Between FRDC And MDCA To Improve Communication Of Research To The Community
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$20,000.00
Summary
To continue the development of the MDCA, the steering committee has planned a fourth workshop for 2008 at the Woodbridge Marine Discovery Centre, Tasmania. This fourth meeting will be utilised to develop support strategies of the network and welcome new members.
This meeting will also be used to:- • Discuss strategies to expose, promote and deliver philosophies, goals and awareness opportunities for sponsors • Provide the opportunity to share information, resources and experti ....To continue the development of the MDCA, the steering committee has planned a fourth workshop for 2008 at the Woodbridge Marine Discovery Centre, Tasmania. This fourth meeting will be utilised to develop support strategies of the network and welcome new members.
This meeting will also be used to:- • Discuss strategies to expose, promote and deliver philosophies, goals and awareness opportunities for sponsors • Provide the opportunity to share information, resources and expertise; • Identify new projects and resources for MDC’s within the network; • Identify potential MDCA members for future membership growth; • To review communication strategies and resources where appropriate; • Review communication strategies and materials where appropriate; • Develop guidelines for MDC’s to adhere to; • Allocate committee positions, including the secretariat.
The MDCA include: • the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury WA www.dolphindiscovery.com.au • Henley Beach Marine Discovery Centre in SA www.marinediscoverycentre.com.au • Queenscliff Marine Discovery Centre in VIC (www.dpi.vic.gov.au/mafri/discovery • Bondi Beach Marine Discovery in NSW www.marinediscovery.org.au • Woodbridge Marine Discovery Centre in TAS www.woodbridge.tased.edu.au/mdc • Ballina Marine Discovery Centre in NSW www.ballina-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/bhmarine/about/ • Eden Marine Discovery Centre in NSW http://www.edenmarinediscovery.org.au/ • Naturaliste Marine Discovery Centre in WA http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/pub/OntheCurrent/index.php?0700 • Hastings Point Marine Environments Field Study and Resource Centre [email protected] - our newest member Objectives: 1. To facilitate annual MDCA network workshops to cost effectively review and improve communication and extension activities 2. To provide an opportunity to share information, resources and expertise 3. To identify new activities and resources for MDCAs to communicate research outputs to the community Read moreRead less
Tactical Research Fund: Improving The Economic Efficiency Of The Southern Squid Jig Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$75,000.00
Summary
The Southern Squid Jig Fishery (SSJF) is a small fishery for arrow squid that operates in south eastern waters, primarily off the coasts of Victoria and Tasmania.
As we interpret the brief, the essence of this project is to find a means to restore the SSJF to sustainable economic viability. The problems facing this industry are becoming increasingly common in the agrifood sector and have been brought about by a culmination of factors as outlined below: 1. The increase in costs.< ....The Southern Squid Jig Fishery (SSJF) is a small fishery for arrow squid that operates in south eastern waters, primarily off the coasts of Victoria and Tasmania.
As we interpret the brief, the essence of this project is to find a means to restore the SSJF to sustainable economic viability. The problems facing this industry are becoming increasingly common in the agrifood sector and have been brought about by a culmination of factors as outlined below: 1. The increase in costs. 2. Strong competition . 3. Strong and increasing competition from imports. 4. Superior eating quality. 5. Australian consumers are not well educated about buying and preparing squid, limiting its consumption. 6. The sector has little ability to invest in innovation or process improvements due to low or negative profitability.
Objectives: 1. To assess the range of factors affecting the economic viability of the SSJF for arrow squid in southern Australia. 2. To canvass a broad range of practical solutions that will increase both the profitability and efficiency of the industry. These solutions should be in areas where the SSJF industry can focus efforts to improve profitability, as distinct from factors endemic to the wider fishing industry and other sectors of the economy. Read moreRead less
Seafood On Spencer - Showcasing Spencer Gulf Seafood
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$2,500.00
Summary
If we are awarded the $10,000 FRDC will be offered an exclusive Platinum Sponsorship of the event and you will experience an exclusive Gulf to Plate experience with a reserved table in our sponsors area and you will receive a chefs tasting platter from each of our high end caterers along with some complimentary drinks. Here you will have the opportunity to network with fellow sponsors for example: SFM Blue, SAFCOL Fishmarket who are bringing a table of SA fish buyers, SA Prawn Association, SA Bl ....If we are awarded the $10,000 FRDC will be offered an exclusive Platinum Sponsorship of the event and you will experience an exclusive Gulf to Plate experience with a reserved table in our sponsors area and you will receive a chefs tasting platter from each of our high end caterers along with some complimentary drinks. Here you will have the opportunity to network with fellow sponsors for example: SFM Blue, SAFCOL Fishmarket who are bringing a table of SA fish buyers, SA Prawn Association, SA Blue Crab Pot Fishers Association, A & C Barnes Seafoods, Barnes Seafood, Hewett Seafood, Bencar Fisheries. Other possible networking opportunities are with The Hon Clare Scriven MLC, local Federal and State Members of Parliament, Director of Fisheries and other PIRSA representatives, SARDI representatives and local Industry. I have attached a copy of our sponsorship proposal which will outline other promotional benefits including print and social media etc. PLEASE note our printing material will be printed on the 2nd of December so we have time to distribute it to surrounding towns before the Xmas holidays so we will need confirmation prior to this with a high resolution logo if you would like to be included on our posters as a sponsor. Read moreRead less
Objectives: 1. Outfit a mobile training unit to research & evaluate concept of promotional-type training in remote areas; 2. develop concept of product awareness training programs to obtain best performance from equipment; 3. stimulate acquisition of skills by incremental awareness of training assistance.