QUEENSLAND’S AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION SHOWCASED
Published Tuesday, 23 October, 2007 at 02:35 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is showcasing its food and fibre biotechnology during the AusBiotech 2007 National Conference in Brisbane this week.
The event is promoting the science and technology talent within the Asia Pacific region, including Queensland’s world-class biotechnology.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin, who launched the Livestock Genomics session at the conference today, said the event highlighted Queensland’s innovative primary industries and the impact biotechnology has on Queenslanders.
“Queensland’s agribusiness and food and fibre sectors contribute almost $11 billion annually to the state’s economy,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Faced with growing challenges from international competitors, the ability of Queensland agribusiness to retain market leadership rests heavily on sustained productivity growth driven by innovation.
“With one of the largest groups of scientists in food and fibre research in the southern hemisphere, DPI&F makes significant investment to be at the forefront of agricultural research and development.
“This covers a very wide range of technologies and biological applications that have real economic and social outcomes.
“If we don’t invest in revolutionary science and its application, Queensland will be left behind on the knowledge front and our food and fibre industries will suffer.”
Mr Mulherin said the development of a cattle tick vaccine was just one example of how biotechnology could have a major impact on Queensland industry.
“With losses related to ticks amounting to about $175 million annually in northern Australia, the beef industry will benefit greatly if our scientists achieve success with their vaccine development,” he said.
Mr Mulherin said another example of DPI&F research involved scientists also using sophisticated molecular techniques to examine the micro-organisms in the stomachs of cattle to ensure the optimal bacteria are present when cattle are on different types of feeds.
“Already, this is giving world-first, in-depth descriptions of the changes in microbial populations in the stomachs of feed-lot cattle.
“The second, but equally vital, aim of this work is to lower livestock methane emissions by suppressing the activity of methane-producing micro-organisms and replacing them with different populations of bacteria that don’t produce methane.
“I think most people would be surprised to know that between 10 and 14 per cent of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions comes from sheep and cattle methane.’’
With these two areas of R&D, the beef, wool, lamb and dairy industries of regional Australia reduce their environmental impact and increase the cost effectiveness of production, as between 4% and 15% more energy will be available for production from the same amount of feed.
“Another biotechnology success story for Queensland is the mango genomics initiative which is building on the success of Queensland’s $100 million mango industry.
“DPI&F scientists are identifying the genes involved in flavour, colour and disease resistance to ensure mangoes continue to be the ‘tropical’ fruit of choice.
“Queensland biotechnology is also making waves on the world agricultural stage.
“DPI&F scientists have transferred the ‘stay-green’ drought-resistance genes of Ethiopian sorghum to Australian varieties. The wealth of information carried in the genes could one day be applied to crops like rice and wheat.
“DPI&F recognises its critical role in ensuring the food and agribusiness sectors are competitive, profitable, and sustainable.
“The combination of natural resources and highly developed infrastructure sets Queensland apart from its competitors and makes it the obvious choice for overseas collaboration and investment.”
Media:
Minister’s office 32396530
DPI&F 3247 5589
The event is promoting the science and technology talent within the Asia Pacific region, including Queensland’s world-class biotechnology.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin, who launched the Livestock Genomics session at the conference today, said the event highlighted Queensland’s innovative primary industries and the impact biotechnology has on Queenslanders.
“Queensland’s agribusiness and food and fibre sectors contribute almost $11 billion annually to the state’s economy,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Faced with growing challenges from international competitors, the ability of Queensland agribusiness to retain market leadership rests heavily on sustained productivity growth driven by innovation.
“With one of the largest groups of scientists in food and fibre research in the southern hemisphere, DPI&F makes significant investment to be at the forefront of agricultural research and development.
“This covers a very wide range of technologies and biological applications that have real economic and social outcomes.
“If we don’t invest in revolutionary science and its application, Queensland will be left behind on the knowledge front and our food and fibre industries will suffer.”
Mr Mulherin said the development of a cattle tick vaccine was just one example of how biotechnology could have a major impact on Queensland industry.
“With losses related to ticks amounting to about $175 million annually in northern Australia, the beef industry will benefit greatly if our scientists achieve success with their vaccine development,” he said.
Mr Mulherin said another example of DPI&F research involved scientists also using sophisticated molecular techniques to examine the micro-organisms in the stomachs of cattle to ensure the optimal bacteria are present when cattle are on different types of feeds.
“Already, this is giving world-first, in-depth descriptions of the changes in microbial populations in the stomachs of feed-lot cattle.
“The second, but equally vital, aim of this work is to lower livestock methane emissions by suppressing the activity of methane-producing micro-organisms and replacing them with different populations of bacteria that don’t produce methane.
“I think most people would be surprised to know that between 10 and 14 per cent of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions comes from sheep and cattle methane.’’
With these two areas of R&D, the beef, wool, lamb and dairy industries of regional Australia reduce their environmental impact and increase the cost effectiveness of production, as between 4% and 15% more energy will be available for production from the same amount of feed.
“Another biotechnology success story for Queensland is the mango genomics initiative which is building on the success of Queensland’s $100 million mango industry.
“DPI&F scientists are identifying the genes involved in flavour, colour and disease resistance to ensure mangoes continue to be the ‘tropical’ fruit of choice.
“Queensland biotechnology is also making waves on the world agricultural stage.
“DPI&F scientists have transferred the ‘stay-green’ drought-resistance genes of Ethiopian sorghum to Australian varieties. The wealth of information carried in the genes could one day be applied to crops like rice and wheat.
“DPI&F recognises its critical role in ensuring the food and agribusiness sectors are competitive, profitable, and sustainable.
“The combination of natural resources and highly developed infrastructure sets Queensland apart from its competitors and makes it the obvious choice for overseas collaboration and investment.”
Media:
Minister’s office 32396530
DPI&F 3247 5589