Title: Agriculture today and tomorrow: working against weeds
[DPI Tuesday, 4 August 2009] In a pioneering move, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) met with the largest ever gathering of agricultural contractors within the fodder and cultivation industries today to discuss the obligations and responsibilities in the fight against weeds. While speaking at the forum "Agriculture Today and Tomorrow' in Ballarat today, DPIs Manager Landscape Protection Brendan Roughead said partnering with industry groups was a vital component in effectively managing weeds.
"By working with key agricultural industry groups, we can share the responsibilities of weed prevention and stopping its spread, which will directly benefit rural Victoria," Mr Roughead said.
"Today's forum hosted by the Australian Agricultural Contractors Association (AACA) is the first time in Victoria that such a large group of stakeholders has met to discuss this very issue and we were pleased to see a wide variety of industry groups represented.
"A number of guest speakers spoke at the event on key industry issues such as the legal responsibilities for weed management, plant hygiene practices, occupational health and safety responsibilities, and vehicle and machinery safety protocols."
The AACA Secretary Len Smyth said the forum would build awareness in the agricultural community about their roles and responsibilities in preventing the spread of weeds and their legal obligations.
"The forum also informed contractors about the proposed modifications and changes to agricultural machinery movement laws, Mr Smyth said.
"Often there are too many changes happening for machinery groups and contractors to keep up with so the forum is an important step in bridging the gaps between government authorities and the agricultural community.
"We hope to make the Agriculture Today and Tomorrow forum an annual or biennial event to provide information and consultation between government policy makers, the farming community and contractors."
The forum is a Department of Primary Industries supported event under the Industry Engagement in Prevention Industry Weed Grant program, which is part of the Victorian Government's Weeds and Pests Initiative.