2005/2006 2004/2005 2003/2004 2002/2003 2001/2002 2000/2001 Return to About Us AgForce Achievements 2002/2003   General policy AgForce revolutionised the Exceptional Circumstances process to prepare and lodge 11 applications in 12 months. AgForce represented more than 1500 pastoralists in 70 Native Title claims throughout Queensland last year. Ensured landholders' interests were protected in the area of natural resource management. Pioneered the AgForce SMARTtrain Chemical Accreditation program, giving producers national accreditation for the correct handling and use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals. Highlighted the inadequacies of rural and remote telecommunications especially in the areas of basic telephone services, internet, mobile coverage and legislated consumer safeguards. In 2003, more than 450 producers completed the AgForce-developed "Responsible Rural Safety Management" program which aims to help reduce the number of deaths and injuries on farms. Played a significant role in rejecting the State Government's draft Leasehold Land Strategy and proposed an alternative. Lobbied to be included in discussions with the State Government in relation to Western Hardwoods Forest Leases to ensure equitable outcomes for graziers. Successfully lobbied for positive changes to the State Drought Freight Subsidy Scheme. For the third year in a row, an AgForce nominee won the Queensland Young Farmer of the Year competition. Successfully ran the AgForce/Queensland Sciencentre 2002 Future Farming Competition to raise awareness of the importance of agriculture to the broader community. Obtained State Government funding to employ a Drought Policy Officer to assist with the preparation of Exceptional Circumstances applications. Helped organise, in a partnership with Suncorp Metway and Rural Press, three "Raise Your Spirits" drought parties in Clermont, Miles and Charleville attended by more than 2000 people. AgForce secured national media coverage about drought stricken farmers dealing with plague numbers of kangaroos to counter misinformation from animal activist groups. Obtained State Government funding to mount the AgForce "Reflections - Celebrating Life on the Land" photographic exhibition which toured rural and regional Queensland and raised more than $12,000 for the Queensland Paralympic team. Successfully obtained funding to develop an Australian-first $300,000 climate risk management program, the ClimEd project. Successfully managed the $800,000 Queensland Dung Beetle project and the Grain Harvest Management Scheme for another year.