2005/2006 2004/2005 2003/2004 2002/2003 2001/2002 2000/2001 Return to About Us AgForce Achievements 2003/2004   General policy   Since June 1, 2003 AgForce has worked tirelessly preparing and submitting another  seven Exceptional Circumstances (EC) drought assistance applications. All seven applications were approved by the Federal Government for full EC assistance bringing the total number of successful EC applications prepared by AgForce to 13. Currently AgForce's 14th EC application for the Ashy Downs region is awaiting approval. This work by AgForce has resulted in thousands of producers receiving much needed drought assistance. Successfully negotiated significant concessions for producers in the State Government's draft rural leasehold land strategy including a pilot appeals process for unfair renewal conditions. Thanks to strong lobbying by AgForce many of the initial requirements for lease renewals are not as stringent as originally proposed. Successfully lobbied and achieved beneficial changes to vegetation management with regard to regrowth which should improve certainty for landholders. Successfully lobbied for an independent review mechanism for vegetation management. Played a major role in the Productivity Commission's (PC) Inquiry into "The Impacts of Native Vegetation and Biodiversity". Apart from lodging a comprehensive submission and appearing before the PC, AgForce organised tours of member properties to show first hand the negative impacts of unfair legislation. The PC report clearly vindicated AgForce's strong stance. Strongly lobbied the Federal Government on drought reform and provided crucial input into the government's drought round table. AgForce clearly spelt out that although it agrees with self-reliance principles in general, it is imperative a drought assistance safety net is maintained in times of exceptional drought. Currently representing more than 1200 pastoralists in 80 Native Title claims throughout Queensland. Undertook a strong campaign, in partnership with other industry lobby groups, to highlight the unfair anomalies in the State Government's controversial ambulance levy while also successfully lobbying for additional concessions. Successfully lobbied for an exemption for unregistered bull catchers which can now be driven along a public road without producers having to face the costly procedure of registration. Successfully lobbied for public road access for 4-wheelers. Strongly lobbied the State and Federal Governments to allocate extra money for essential FarmBis funding. Strongly lobbied Telstra to fix problems members were experiencing with the roll-out of CDMA Wireless Local Loop. AgForce liaised closely with Telstra to ensure each problem was successfully resolved.     AgForce Grains   Successfully lobbied for and delivered a system which allows growers to harvest and deliver wheat at 15 per cent moisture. This massive lobbying win allows growers to avoid weather damage and therefore maximise crop quality and returns. This moisture system is currently operating in southern Queensland and is set to expand to central Queensland. Strongly contributed to and endorsed the “Single Vision” strategic plan for the grains industry Australia wide launched by Prime Minister John Howard. The plan addresses four key areas - Supply Chain; Demand Chain; Environmental issues; and Industry Structures. A critical part of the plan is the formation of two forums – the Grains Business Forum and the Australian Grains Forum. These forums will enable AgForce to work on finding a solution to minimise risk at harvest of quality downgrading through higher moisture harvesting. Lodged a strong submission to the crucial 2004 Wheat Review which reviewed the performance of AWB International in its use of single desk powers. The submission strongly supported the current operation of the single desk in line with the views of more than 73% of AgForce Grains members contacted. Clarified and strongly pursued growers legal position in relation to end point royalties. Saved growers in the Gladstone port zone an increase in port storage charges of $10 per tonne. Defended the Single Desk wheat export arrangements to ensure they were not a part of the US Free Trade negotiations. Strongly represented growers needs in storage and handling during the merger of bulk handling companies Grainco and GrainCorp. Played an integral part of representing grower needs in the Grain Quality Standards Committee which is developing rules for grain quality measurement. Strongly protected the needs of producers following the detection of the Wheat Streak Mosaic virus and the High Plains Virus. Supported AWB Limited and the government in securing key Australian grain markets to Iraq.     AgForce Cattle   After a long campaign, AgForce Cattle, in conjunction with the Cattle Council of Australia, successfully lobbied the Federal Government for export related information to be mandated on all chemical labels to provide greater market security for Queensland's beef industry. Secured a 12 month delay for the introduction of the National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS) along with government agreement on "alternate pathways" - meaning that most cattle movements from property of origin direct to live export or abattoir will not require an NLIS device under government legislation. Lobbied hard and effectively for the retention of live exports following unprecedented media and government scrutiny. Pushed for the combination of the National Vendor Declaration and Waybill system - this means that now just one document is required for cattle movements. This reduces paperwork and allows movement around the country on the one form. Through the CCA, conducted an extensive review of the operations of Meat and Livestock Australia's marketing and research programs to ensure producer levies were being spent efficiently and effectively. AgForce's MEATing Centre red meat promotion at the Brisbane Ekka highlighted to more than 200,000 metropolitan consumers the benefits of red meat in their diet.     AgForce Sheep & Wool   Successfully lobbied Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) to establish a national shearer and wool handler training program, which is aiming to alleviate shearer shortages. Initiated co-ordinated feral dog baiting programs and strongly urged all landholders to participate. Successfully highlighted the devastation caused by feral dogs to all levels of government which resulted in this co-ordinated effort. Successfully lobbied to ensure the crucial live export industry is maintained. Supported a two per cent levy in WoolPoll 2003 which will ensure the continuation of AWI's research and development projects. Hosted the WoolProducers annual general meeting in Brisbane where AgForce Sheep and Wool president Robert Pietsch was elected as president of WoolProducers which is the national agri-political organisation for wool producers. Continuing to work with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries to ensure systems are designed to keep Queensland free of Ovine Johnes disease. Members of the AgForce Sheep and Wool board participated in critical training to equip them with the skills needed to manage an exotic disease outbreak. Held a highly successful industry forum at the Longreach Pastoral College which highlighted to producers the latest technologies and innovations available The AgForce Goat Industry Committee have worked to protect the Queensland goat industry from the introduction of Johnes Disease while ensuring flexibility for producers to trade interstate.