DECEMBER 2013 highlights NEWSLETTER The Crawford Fund For a Food Secure World
Inside Still “DOING WELL Still Doing Well by Doing Good Report released on benefits to Australia from international BY DOING GOOD” agricultural research 1 “Giving agricultural aid is one of the best ways of helping overseas John Kerin – a genuine rural leader countries, and, at the same time, helping ourselves.” Our Chair receives rural The above quote by the Rt Hon J D Anthony Centre for International Agricultural Research leadership award 2 CH, FTS is in “Doing Well by Doing Good,” (ACIAR) – as well as feedback from key Derek Tribe Award the book that launched the Crawford Fund, stakeholders and individual farmers, and Crawford Fund published in 1991. The sentiment is mirrored scientists, researchers, extension workers and Fellowship by the Hon John Kerin and Tim Fischer, Chair others involved in domestic and international 2013 Awardees from PNG and former Chair of the Crawford Fund in agricultural research. and Nepal 3 their preface of the Fund’s Doing Well by Our review of ACIAR’s bilateral research Bread from Stones? Doing Good Task Force Report which is now program (about 70 per cent of its budget) Crawford Fund 2013 Annual available. found that the rate of return on investment Conference 4 This important report comes at a time of by ACIAR and its Australian and developing Training Impact constrained public sector spending on both country partners - from a limited sample Pakistani researchers benefit development assistance and research for of projects of about 10 per cent of the from fruit growing training 5 development. It backs our long-held claims total bilateral program - was between Making the Public around the mutual benefit of aid investment 50:1 to 70:1 respectively depending on Aware in international agricultural research - whether benefits included are judged to be Crawford Fund efforts to make “doing well by doing good” - with the latest convincing or plausible. This return greatly the benefits of international economic analyses as well as authentic exceeds total investment in bilateral research agricultural research statements of support from trusted people in since ACIAR’s inception 31 years ago. and development better the international and Australian R&D scene. understood 6 Another former chair of the Fund, The Of course, the Crawford Fund has always Hon Neil Andrew, led the small task force Lifetime Contribution promoted that Australian development that included Dr Terry Enright, farmer and Recognised assistance programs in agriculture and former chair of the Grains Research and Professor Emeritus Robert related sectors should retain their primary Development Corporation; Gilkes presented with purpose of assisting economic and social Crawford Fund Medal 7 development in the developing countries, in Crawford Fund Training accordance with Australia’s nation interests. Program The latest news on Crawford But in addition, and without detriment to this Fund short-term, hands-on purpose, we’ve argued that they can deliver training for men and women direct and indirect benefits to Australia. Now from developing countries 8 the report has substantiated our contention Grasslands for Food with sound argument and independent Security analysis. International agricultural research is aid that works. It delivers significant benefits Success of the 2013 International Grasslands to Australian farmers, and contributes to Congress 14 Australian knowledge and research capacity, without diverting attention away from its New Study Underway objective of supporting food security and Our new study on customer development in developing countries. focussed plant variety 15 Proof of this can be found in the Task Force Contributors 15 report, which references a scholarly meta- Board of Directors 15 review of published analyses of costs and What is the Crawford Fund? 16 benefits to Australia from the work of the Awards Training Courses and international agricultural research centres Master Classes ahead 16 and of a range of projects by the Australian Still “DOING WELL BY DOING GOOD”
Dr Tony Gregson, also a farmer who Similarly, high returns to the developing Australia, and the developing has an extensive science and corporate countries are reported from Australian countries, might benefit from research management background; aid investments in multilateral agricultural global private sector spending on Ms Cathy McGowan, rural consultant, research agencies. agricultural research academic and now Member of Australian agriculture benefits Some 40 per cent of global spending on Parliament and Prof John Mullen, a from ACIAR bilateral projects agricultural research comes from private distinguished fellow of the Australian Not only has the ACIAR investment sector investment, including multinational Agricultural and Resource Economics corporations in Europe and North Society from Charles Sturt University. delivered very high returns in terms of benefits to the developing countries, America. ACIAR should consider how The report was authored by John, Eric public private partnerships might deliver Craswell and Denis Blight with the help it has delivered benefits to Australia almost as large as the value of our total greater benefits to Australia and the of Crawford Fund staff. The group was developing countries. tasked to address issues raised by the investment in ACIAR. National Farmers’ Federation on the Australia also benefits from Indirect benefits also flow to orientation of ACIAR programs. Naturally international agricultural research Australia enough, the NFF wants the programs to centres Indirect benefits to Australia from consider benefits to Australian farmers in In recent years, Australia has contributed international agricultural research include their design and conduct. about $10 million a year in support the contributions to regional security and “Together with The Hon. Margaret Reid for international centres, as part of its peace based on improved food security; AO, Dr Tony Gregson AM and Dr Denis broader support for 15 international increased trade through better relations; Blight AO I had the pleasure of calling agricultural research centres. Annual the enhancement of Australia’s standing on The Hon Julie Bishop recently and benefit flows, largely derived from the as a good international citizen, and was pleased to find her sympathetic to use in Australia of germplasm from just improvements to Australian researchers our findings and supportive of the work three of these centres, is estimated at and research/educational institutions. of ACIAR,” said Mr Andrew. nearly $100 million. Conclusions and Suggestions: The Fund is now pursuing a set of Participating in international The task force concludes that further briefings and public events with agricultural research strengthens international agricultural research: key politicians, other decision-makers, Australian research capacity stakeholders and the general public • is highly effective aid with real and Australia’s ability to benefit from through the media to raise awareness significant benefits to Australian farmers international agricultural research of the effectiveness and benefit from • enhances Australian research depends on it having strong domestic agricultural research for development. capacity, delivering greater Australian research institutions. This contributes productivity and that this The key findings of the report follow: to the depth, breadth and relevance of International agricultural research expertise in Australia that is available • leads to more Australian food serves Australia’s development to the international agricultural exports, as well as to increased assistance objectives research system, which helps in turn agricultural productivity in the developing to build enduring linkages between world, contributing to global food According to independent impact Australian research institutions and their security. assessments, economic returns on international counterparts - keeping investment by ACIAR and its Australian The task force’s suggestions focus on Australia within the circle, enabling opportunities that arise through ACIAR and developing country partners, mainly access to global knowledge and product in the form of increased farm incomes innovation networks. in developing countries, are very high. John Kerin – a genuine rural leader Our chairman, the Hon John Kerin, was recently awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation for his contribution to rural Australia. The Foundation Board Chair, Dr Wendy Craik, made the presentation. Upon accepting his award, John presented a speech offering his views on leadership in politics, the Public Service and in farm organisations. The speech is available on the ARLF website http:// rural-leaders.com.au which welcomes readers to enjoy the wisdom of a genuine rural leader! John Kerin with Wendy Craik
[2] Still “DOING WELL BY DOING GOOD” being the key funding agency for international agricultural research and and Australian spokespeople on international agricultural research. It that this exploration include the question their reflections and experience of suggests that: of benefits to Australia as well as the benefits from agricultural research for • ACIAR remain integral to Australia’s developing countries development. aid program and part of its innovation • ACIAR should remain as a separate Readers may also be interested in system entity and its budget maintained at least the most recent edition of ACIAR’s • in establishing its portfolio activities, at its current real level and increased as Partners Magazine, providing examples ACIAR could consider more closely its contribution to agricultural productivity of ACIAR’s work and partnerships Australia’s National Primary Industries in Australia as well as the developing benefitting Australia. R, D & E Framework and the need countries is confirmed And now we have new up-to-date to expand the number of agricultural • International agricultural research information on benefit, perhaps the final researchers, alongside the priorities programs funded by the Australian aid word should go to Emeritus Professor of partner countries. This would align program should place more emphasis Derek Tribe, who had the foresight the portfolio with Australia’s expertise than they currently do on benefits to to establish the Crawford Fund and and interests and with those of ACIAR’s Australian farmers and to Australia’s first argue the case for international partner countries resulting in enhanced agricultural research capacities. agricultural research: benefits to both developing countries and The Fund’s full report was launched “There is a mass of evidence to Australia in mid-December, to coincide with a support the view that (bigger and • ACIAR consider supplementing meeting of ACIAR’s Commission. better involvement of Australia its impact assessments by including The report, and the separate meta- in international agricultural measurement of the strengthening analysis of impact assessment studies that research) represents the best of effect that participation in international form the basis of the key benefit figures all opportunities for Australia to agricultural research has on Australian quoted in the report, are available on the institutions assist Third World development, Fund’s website. while at the same time advancing • ACIAR continue to explore greater On our YouTube site are testimonial her own best interests.” Doing Well scope for private sector participation in videos by a range of international by Doing Good, Pluto Press, 1991. Derek Tribe Award Dr Murom Banabas, Head of Agronomy at the Papua New Guinea Oil Palm Research Association, is the recipient of the Crawford Fund 2013 Derek Tribe Award. The award recognises his 22 years of research and technical assistance dedicated to improving the sustainability and productivity of the oil palm industry in PNG. Dr Banabas received the award and made the Derek Tribe Address in early October at the CSIRO Plant Industry on “Working towards environmentally and socially sustainable oil palm production in Papua New Guinea.”
Crawford Fund 2013 Fellowship
Our Fellowship for 2013 has been awarded to Mrs Sita Bantha Magar, an Agro Enterprise Development Specialist from Nepal. With a farming background in an indigenous ethnic group, Mrs Magar is an agriculturalist with strong, diverse and hands-on knowledge, backed by theoretical understandings of underlying scientific principles. She will spend time at the Central Queensland University to learn about quality control, supply chain management, farm practices and post harvest activities.
[3] Bread from Stones? The Crawford Fund 2013 Annual Conference, August 2013
You cannot eat stones, just as you cannot “The conflicts in Australia are what address at the conference, “the eat iron ore or coal; but the production really triggered Crawford to partner with experiences of many African countries and sale of valuable minerals and the African Australia Research Forum. in the exploitation of their mineral and precious stones can pay for bread and I think it will lead to a more thoughtful economic resources have historically not other nutritious food products. appraisal of the interaction between the always led to sustainable development Economic activity generated by mining two sectors,” said Denis Blight, Chief and have certainly not been pro-poor.” industries can contribute equitably Executive of the Crawford Fund. to broader national growth and “There is a lack of understanding and to economic well-being, including knowledge between the two sectors. I supporting the poor. Similarly, certainly never appreciated how big infrastructure built for mining industries Australian investment in Africa’s mining can ease the supply of inputs, and access sector has become. It’s estimated to be at to markets, for the agriculture sector. least $40 billion and I can see the clear These positive outcomes can only be opportunity for mining and agriculture to achieved with the right mix of policies, partner in Africa,” he said. governance structures — functioning For the speakers and delegates from democracies — and enlightened across Africa, Australia and overseas, self-interest on the part of the miners. it was clear that the prominence and His Excellency Festus Mogae and The Hon Reform is needed at all levels, including importance of the mineral resource Florence Chenoweth big government policy issues; major industry should not obscure the Its vast mineral resources afford Africa investment decisions and social importance of agriculture in these the opportunity to grow its economies responsibility programs by corporations countries. The sectors must work together. more quickly than the global average and large and small; and cooperative Healthy mining industries should boost beyond the current rate for the continent on-ground action by miners and national incomes, including incomes for of about 5 per cent. Few reliable studies agriculturalists. the agricultural industries capable of are available on the contribution of the If these and a number of other meeting the increased demand for their mineral industries to economic growth in challenges — such as need for cross- produce generated by income growth. Africa. Nor is comprehensive quantitative ministerial collaboration, community And after mining has finished, where evidence available on the economic participation, science and technology possible the land needs to return to other benefit to agriculture from the mining expertise, revenue transparency and productive pursuits including agriculture. sector. impact assessment capacity — can This consideration creates the need, At the same time, however, there is good be addressed effectively, then there according to Mario Pezzini of the OECD’s data available on the local impact of could be synergy between agriculture Development Centre, for sound policy mining investment and production in some and mining sectors. Together, they formulation and implementation. He told parts of Africa and some assumptions can could support the development of the conference that growth in Africa could no doubt be made from studies in other infrastructure, technological innovation aid global growth, but this will only be countries. But impact assessment capacity and mechanisation, employment, income achieved with thoughtful utilisation of the in Africa may be weak. generation and greater food security. continent’s natural resources including the Policy needs to work at the interfaces These themes resonated throughout fertility of its soils, the health of its forests, between not only agriculture and mining the Crawford Fund Conference ‘Bread the quality of its waterways and the vast but also large mining enterprises and from Stones’ on 26–27 August 2013, mineral deposits and energy resources. artisanal miners. Members of many organised in partnership with the Africa In the words of Festus Mogae, former African families have moved from Australia Research Forum during the President of Botswana, in his keynote agriculture into micro and small-scale mining event “Africa Down Under” in Perth.
Denis Blight introduces the Sir John Crawford Memorial Address Gavin Hilson in Africa [4] Bread from Stones? The Crawford Fund 2013 Annual Conference, August 2013 mining, as was reported by Prof Gavin Hilson, University of Surrey. Enlightened self-interest on the part of miners can take many forms: strict adherence to the terms and conditions attaching to mining leases; ensuring that employees and their families have adequate nutritious food – either because of government policy and practice or through specific procurement and investment interventions by the companies themselves; and building harmonious relationships with The Closing Panel Session at “Bread from Stones” communities in the neighbourhood of mines and beyond. responsibility projects in agriculture. We but no studies show how it can happen also heard about, and discussed, the beyond the mine boundaries. There is The market afforded by demand for existence of tension between corporate clear potential for that,” Dr Blight said. food and fibre generated by mining responsibilities for profitable investments can form the core for the growth of new The conference was a first step towards and broader government and community purposeful discussion on potential industries in rural communities provided relationships. Peter Sullivan, Chief these industries can deliver the quality synergies between two strong economic Executive Officer of Resolute Mining drivers — agriculture and mining and quantity of produce required. Out- Limited, told the Conference that there grower arrangements between large — in Africa and elsewhere. A vital was ‘no single recipe’ for making bread conversation on policy and practice has mining companies and smallholder from stones - each mine’s life is limited; farmers organised into associations is begun and we look forward to an initial companies are neither charities nor an meeting in January with the Australia- one approach that might have broader arm of government. application. Africa Mining Industry Group on shared “There was talk at the forum about interests and ambitions in the pursuit of Delegates were shown positive examples demand from mining creating new driving positive outcomes from this first where Australian mining companies markets for agriculture which can then be step. in Africa support corporate social used as a base for further development Training Impact Mark Drew, the Australian who heads Mr Drew reports that since the visit there architecture. On his return to Pakistan the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agricultural has been trapping and identification he has established a trial orchard at the Development Organisation (AKPADO) work carried out in the region, ARI using the Tatura trellis system, and has been to the Swat Valley in Pakistan demonstrating that there are at least this will be compared with the current a number of times assisting in the three fruit fly species inhabiting peach pruning and tree architecture systems development of agriculture with the aim orchards in Swat (Bactrocera zonata, used in Swat. of improving the incomes of farmers B.dorsalis, B.cucurbitae), and possibly And the third trainee, Shahid in the region. Part of the process is a fourth species (B.invadens). Further Muhammad has conducted a number of educating farmers about fruit growing work has focused on field collection spray trials for brown rot control using technologies and techniques. of peaches and laboratory raising DMI chemistry and has demonstrated AKPADO, which is based in Australia of insects collected from this fruit to an increase in control from this switch. establish which species are infesting hosted three researchers from the “All in all I believe that good progress is Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) peaches in the field, and relative species density. Work is also being being made to improve the productivity in Mingora in the the Swat Valley, a of peach growers in Swat. The formerly Tabliban-occupied province, conducted to establish alternate host ranges for the different species found. Crawford Fund can be assured that with the support of The Crawford Fund the funding provided is delivering real and Syngenta. A report on the training Mr Drew is in the process of working benefits to the farmers of Swat through in our June “Highlights” noted a few with Dr Mohammad Rauf, Director capacity building at ARI Mingora,” Mr of the issues faced by farmers include of ARI Mingora and one of the team Drew said. brown rot, blossom blight and fruit flies. that visited Australia, to establish a “The week that the researchers have fruit fly working group in Pakistan to spent in Australia has been enormously better tackle the problems caused by beneficial. From learning about the this major agricultural pest. Testing to theory behind fruit fly treatment up at ascertain whether there is resistance Griffith University in Brisbane through to commonly used insecticides is also to talking to peach growers and something that Mr Drew is working on agronomists down at Shepparton, with local staff. the knowledge that they have gained Dr Khalil ur Rehman, who also travelled from their time spent here has been to Australia, was very impressed with invaluable.” tree management techniques, especially the Tatura Trellis system of tree
[5] MAKING THE PUBLIC AWARE
Our public awareness campaign will have the benefit of a communications and admin assistant in 2014, enabling some additional events and activities, and improvements to our website and social media presence. We will also be moving to the use of more regular electronic reporting. You can keep up-to-date with our regular feature stories and news reports on our website, through our @CrawfordFund Twitter site and videos on our YouTube site. Key activities since the last newsletter are highlighted below. Task force on Australian benefits from the keynote address by Dr Jimmy Smith, Director General of the International Livestock Research Institute argued that the world’s international ag research small-scale farmers and livestock keepers, both relatively Our Task Force on benefits to Australia from international neglected in global food security discussions and agenda till agricultural research is our lead report in this newsletter and now, can be a large part of the solution, rather than a problem, will be the focus of a major advocacy and media effort in the to feeding the world sustainably to 2050. Dr Smith presented coming months. Preliminary meetings, including with Foreign an overview of the global food security challenge and argued Affairs Minister Julie Bishop, around the findings of the work that smallholder animal agriculture is key to addressing it. have been very positive. Our review of ACIAR’s bilateral research program (about 70% of its budget) found that the rate of return on investment by ACIAR and its Australian and developing country partners greatly exceeds total investment in bilateral research since ACIAR’s inception 31 years ago. Check out the personal testimonies provided in videos on our YouTube site. Mining and agriculture attracts strong media interest The international development dimensions of the mining and agriculture sectors attracted strong media interest for our 2013 conference “Bread From Stones?” held in Perth in August and reported elsewhere in the newsletter. Key print and TV news reports focused on statements by the Director at the OECD Nobel Peace Prize laureates: Charles W. Rice and Jean-Francois Development Centre Mario Pezzini, highlighting the role of Soussana at the Fund’s stand at IGC agriculture and mining in improving wealth and the risks those sectors face. In his interview with Geraldine Doogue on Radio World Vegetable Centre – 40 years on National’s Saturday Extra program, HE Festus Mogae, former Cathy Reade attended the celebrations of the World Vegetable President of Botswana, reported on strategies his country used Centre’s 40th Anniversary at their headquarters in Taiwan to ensure that the people benefited from their mining boom. as a guest of the Centre, and was involved in a panel at the In a range of profile interviews, Minister Florence Chenoweth colloquium. She discussed the Fund’s work and raised the from Liberia discussed her personal struggle to escape her importance of communicating research results and impact with war-torn homeland and what she’s been able to achieve in the stakeholders. The colloquium included Nobel Laureate Yuan position of Minister for Agriculture since her return to the now Tseh Lee talking on Food Security in a Low Carbon World. peaceful country.
The Hon Florence Chenoweth being interviewed on ABC Grasslands for food security Cathy Reade addressing the 40th Anniversary Colloquium at AVRDC As noted in a separate report, the Fund supported the Seeing is believing – Peru and 22nd International Grasslands Congress through training opportunities for some delegates from developing countries Cambodia and through a media outreach for the event that resulted Caddie Brain from ABC radio and Jacinta Rose from Fairfax in national media coverage of the important role that the Regional Media both visited Peru in November and are grasslands play in food security. In national media coverage of currently reporting on the work of the International Potato [6] MAKING THE PUBLIC AWARE
Centre and the Cusco Potato Park. The social media underway. As one participant reported on the benefit of the communication during their visit provided lots of food for final communication strategy “All in all, I felt more confident thought and wonderful photos. The trip was supported by the and a bit more in charge because I had a definite plan to work DFAT Council on Australia Latin America Relations, with a visit with.” Plans are underway for a third Master Class, this time to CIMMYT to come in the months ahead. We are now starting for researchers in the Pacific. The interest in the Master Class is to see the results of the visit, including a 25min documentary on likely to see it offered again later in 2014. Radio National. Documentary maker Sally Ingleton visited Cambodia with State based events Cathy Reade in November and will be developing short videos A priority for development in 2014 will be additional public on a range of ACIAR projects, as well as interviews with awareness events at a State level, incorporating some co- Crawford Fund trainees. badged events with key stakeholders as well as outreach at a State level around the task force report noted previously in Another comms master class this newsletter. Our first event will see the NSW Committee Evaluations from participants in our Master Class in partnering with the University of Sydney and others for an event Communicating with Stakeholders, held in Africa earlier in the to highlight NSW institutions’ international efforts around food year, have indicated that there’s been some great activities security. Recognition of a Lifetime Contribution CAPACITY BUILDING AND FOOD SECURITY Professor Emeritus Robert (Bob) Gilkes, has been successful because of trainees “Students have been attracted by this former Winthrop Professor of Soil and trainers who are seeking to make high quality research, and his reputation Science and Adjunct Senior Lecturer, an enduring contribution to global food as a wonderfully supportive supervisor,” School of Earth and Environment at the security. Many go unnoticed and their she said. University of Western Australia was contributions unheralded,” said Dr Denis Reflecting the international standing he recently presented with a Crawford Blight, Chief Executive of the Crawford has, Bob is an Honorary Professor at Fund medal for his lifetime contribution Fund, who travelled from Canberra to Huazhong University in China and an to research supervision and mentoring present Bob with the award. Adjunct Professor at Kasetsart University of overseas students. Over 60 people “Bob’s contribution to building capacity Thailand. attended the presentation. in developing countries for food security At the award presentation, the three Prof Gilkes is a soil scientist with an has been tremendous, and the Crawford Western Australian students who international reputation in his field Fund has been lucky to have Bob attended the Crawford Fund’s annual and has worked in areas covering soil involved in four of our training programs conference, held in Perth in late August, mineralogy, fertiliser chemistry, mine site covering important issues such as the spoke on their experiences at the rehabilitation and management of soil, production of biochar from agricultural conference. water and other resources. waste and identifying constraints to fertility in tropical soils.” “It was quite fitting that Bob got to hear Since joining UWA in 1969, Bob has our Young Crawford Scholars speak, supervised 150 honours students and Professor Jen McComb, coordinator as the topic of our annual conference 66 PhD and Masters students. Of the of the Crawford Fund WA Committee, ‘Mining, Agriculture and Development: postgraduates, 39 have been overseas noted “Bob’s supervision is highly Bread from Stones’ – is closely related students, and he has supervised a further regarded by his students and he keeps to some areas of Bob’s research such as 20 postgraduates based in Thailand, in touch with past students, taking an mine rehabilitation,” concluded Jen. Iraq and Brazil. interest in their careers and mentoring “The Crawford Fund’s training program their progress.”
THE
CRAWFORD FUND PROFESSOR BOB GILKES For your continued
ld contribution to internationalr agricultural o research e W Fo ur r a Food Sec
Bob Gilkes in the field Terry Enright, Chair of the WA committee, with Crawford Fund Medal awardee Bob Gilkes [7] CRAWFORD FUND TRAINING FOR IMPACT
Reports follow on a selection of training programs that we have supported for groups and individual men and women engaged in agricultural research in developing countries, and in Australia. The back cover of the newsletter has a listing of planned training. We are very grateful to the State program committees whose members volunteer their time and knowledge and use their networks to bring together the Australian talent to match developing country training needs. Indicative of the range of issues challenging developing country agriculture, it is interesting to note that the topics covered in the training reported below include poultry production for food and nutrition security; international frost research; mango management; pig nutrition; crop disease diagnostics; ecological rodent management; sustainable aquaculture; taxonomy of mango gall midges; early detection of plant pathogens; supply chain; nitrogen fixation in grain legumes, and landcare principles. And the range of countries represented by trainees includes Timor-Leste, Vietnam, Laos, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Kenya, India, Iraq, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Sudan, Indonesia, Fiji and Tanzania.
Dili, Timor-Leste this year to identify MASTER CLASS opportunities for working to address nutrition through improved poultry UPDATE production. Master Class on The visit was hosted by Dr Antonino do Karmo, Head of the Department of adaptation to drought Animal Health, and supported by the Drought is one of the biggest threats Crawford Fund. facing agriculture today. In August, the The program seeks to contribute to Crawford Fund sponsored a Master improved food security, childhood Class on “Adaptation to Drought”, nutrition and income generation and which took place in Perth prior to the will be implemented by the Ministry InterDrought Conference - a major of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) in international platform to debate collaboration with the Ministry of Health strategies to increase yield and stability Vincent Vadez from ICRISAT explains canopy (MoH), the Ministry of Commerce, of crops under drought conditions. It light interception Industry and the Environment and the provided our Master Class with access to Department of Self Employment at the world’s leading experts in the field. 2014 Master Class plans SEFOPPE. The Master Class, organised by Prof Three of the master classes planned for Some of the main aims will be to Willie Erskine at the University of 2014 include: control Newcastle Disease in village WA, aimed to increase participants’ chickens and to improve village chicken - Communicating with Stakeholders, to understanding of practical selection husbandry and management strategies be held for Pacific region researchers in for drought tolerance (Phenotyping), including marketing. new techniques for drought selection Nadi (Genotyping), and crop management - Agribusiness Research Methods to be options to cope with drought. held in Vietnam in March All of the 19 participants were - Management of sea cucumber experienced drought scientists from fisheries in the Asia-Pacific Region to be a wide range of different developing held in Malaysia in November. countries including Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Kenya, India, Iraq, Pakistan, Sudan, and STATE TRAINING Tanzania - together with six Australians. Twenty-one percent of participants were PROGRAMS female. NORTHERN The Master Class included a tour through the Wheat Belt of WA with visits to the TERRITORY WA No-Till Farmers Association trials, a primary plant breeding site and a new Poultry for food and varieties trial site, as well as experimental nutrition security in Timor- hands-on practical phenotyping for drought and involvement in molecular Leste technologies applicable to selection for Timor-Leste has the highest stunting drought. rate in children in the world. Stunting In addition to the Crawford Fund, affects health, physical and cognitive co-sponsors of the Master Class were development capacity in children as the Australian Centre for International well as productivity in adulthood. Agricultural Research, Grains Research Consequently improving childhood and Development Corporation, and the nutrition is a national priority. UN FAO which supported airfares for Associate Professor Robyn Alders overseas participants. from the University of Sydney visited Robyn Alders at work in Africa
[8] CRAWFORD FUND TRAINING FOR IMPACT ACT David got to attend the 2013 IRRI “Rice: Martino to learn the latest techniques Research to Production” course, following in reproductive frost field phenotyping Extension practices in the muddy foot prints of Ray Cowley in prior to starting her PhD in this area in 2009 and Nicola Wunderlich in 2012. Argentina. research in Asia David was also a former Crawford Fund Effective in-country engagement between conference scholar. She participated in research as part of research and extension staff and farmers The three-week program covered in the Australian National Frost Program is critical to the successful establishment detail topics such as the basics of rice set up by the Grains Research and and monitoring of on-farm demonstration production in Asia; the germplasm Development Corporation (GRDC) in trials of new techniques. collection at IRRI and current issues collaboration with DAFWA and the In order to provide key staff in an ACIAR related to its exchange, and intellectual University of Adelaide. project with examples of extension property and research issues Department research officer Ben practices here and to broaden their experienced by IRRI and its partners. Biddulph, who supervised Diana’s work knowledge and awareness of simple On returning to Australia, Mr Gale during her stay, said there was little crop management tools, the Crawford reported to the Crawford Fund that research carried out internationally on Fund sponsored a visit by Mr Sipaseuth, he entered the course expecting to reproductive frost damage due to the Mr Khammone Thiravong and Mr gain knowledge about research in complexity of the frosting environment. Pasalath Khounsy from Lao PDR, Dr rice productions systems but came out Minea Mao and Mr Tom Say from understanding this process “because “Currently, only Australia is carrying Cambodia and Ms Bhagya Laxmi from someone didn’t just talk about it, they let out targeted field screening of wheat for India to participate in a training course me try it for myself”. frost susceptibility. The collaboration with in Australia. Argentina will help stimulate international “Whether it be transplanting rice by research capacity in frost screening, In the first week participants were hand, selecting individuals for use which could speed the development of exposed to three private extension as parents in breeding a new line, frost-tolerant varieties,” Mr Biddulph said. agencies through on-farm visits in the emasculating flowers (as shown in the Burdekin and on the Darling Downs, and photo with this story) and artificially “Diana will now take our frost screening to government extension and support for pollinating, or interviewing farmers about methods and ideas back to Argentina emerging primary industries. They also their production decisions and practices, where they will be eagerly tested learned about methods of participatory I was able to participate in the whole and adapted by breeders and plant action research and were introduced to process.” physiologists working for Argentina’s the value of simulation modeling at the National Institute of Agriculture (INTA),” CSIRO. he said. In the second week of the training, The visit provided a strong case for course participants engaged with state the future development of international government and non-profit extension collaboration in reproductive frost agencies. They visited dryland Mallee research and the development of more farms in both South Australia and resilient grain production systems. Victoria and engaged with farmers to learn about the challenges of marginal Decision-making for Australian environments. mangosteens Cambodian-based Dr Minea Mao There are considerable differences reported “The knowledge and between the Australian and Indonesian experiences which I gained from my agricultural sector, yet decision making two week training course in Australia at business and project level requires the will help me to promote and improve same skill set of knowing what to use, agricultural extension systems in when to use it, and whether relevant my country. I am going to share my output is created. experiences and knowledge to my colleges in order to strengthen their David Gale in the fields of IRRI In order to empower decision makers capacity and effectiveness.” within the Indonesian mangosteen WA industry, two Indonesian public servants Pursuing a passion for attended a week-long workshop in Frost research goes global Kununurra run by the Department of Ag4Dev International collaboration in frost Agriculture and Food Western Australia’s With little life, or indeed scientific, research has begun, following a Regional Economist, Francis Bright with experience you might ask yourself Crawford Fund-sponsored visit by an the support of the Crawford Fund. how an early career researcher could Argentinean researcher to Australia. The workshop provided them with benefit from spending three weeks at a Hosted by the Department of Agriculture knowledge of different decision support huge institution which is responsible for and Food in Western Australia (DAFWA), tools, information about when to use the undertaking world changing agricultural Masters student Diana Martino from tools, and how to interpret the results. research. That’s exactly what David Argentina’s National University of Mar The training allowed the two students to Gale wondered before his trip to the del Plata, worked on research trials undertake a case study where a local International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), located in various parts of Australia. grower wanted to know the economic supported by the Crawford Fund and the The three-month visit enabled Ms payoffs of changing between two crops. Graham Centre. [9] CRAWFORD FUND TRAINING FOR IMPACT
Both students said the knowledge traditional ways of keeping pigs to The training included regular disease gained during the workshop will assist market-oriented systems in order to meet surveys and interactions with farmers, the industry in Indonesia. Particularly growing demand for pork meat. The followed by laboratory work focused helpful were the decision support tools problem they face is slow animal growth on diagnostic process and interactive and adult learning principles, which due to the poor quality of feeds. In order tutorials. Two formal one-day workshops are set to improve the adoption of new to help farmers improve productivity, the were also presented. The first, under the technologies. Crawford Fund sponsored a pig nutrition guidance of Dr Len Tesorieo, included and management training course. presentations on diseases that have The course was facilitated by Dr Joanne been observed on common vegetable Millar, Senior Lecturer from the School crops grown in Champasak province. of Environmental Sciences at Charles It included an overview of all major Sturt University and Dr Phonepaseuth diseases of head cabbages. He also Phengsavanh from NAFRI in Vientiane, discussed important exotic diseases that Lao PDR. It was held in Luangphabang have yet to be observed in the province and attended by 19 extension officers, or elsewhere in Lao. three livestock researchers, two extension The second workshop was presented researchers and one farmer. by Professor Lester Burgess and Dr Kylie During the course, researchers from Ireland on the final day of the training Livestock Research Center (LRC) program and included a summary of presented new outcomes of research findings, a detailed discussion on IDM on local pig nutrient requirements strategies for vegetable production in and nutrition, and ways to improve polyhouses and field-grown cabbages. smallholder pig production. Participants The Australian scientists are now looked at different local available feeds considering topics for future intensive Maulita, Tara and Intan at the beginning of and separated them into energy and training courses including vegetable the Goomig development (Stage 2 of the Ord protein sources. They also practiced feed seedling production and an introduction River Irrigation Area) formulation for pigs in different growth to fungicides. They are also exploring stages in order to understand that nutrient the possibility of preparing a ‘First Management of mangoes requirements can vary from animal to reports of diseases in Lao PRD’ paper for animal. publication. What’s the best way to manage mangoes pre and postharvest in terms Extension specialists facilitated a SOUTH AUSTRALIA of preparing them for sea freight? That discussion on the best methods for question was explored at a training event working with farmers, and how to Nitrogen fixation in grain supported by the Crawford Fund, held in evaluate production and livelihood Java, Indonesia. impacts from practice change. legumes The 43 participants were selected due to Argentinean scientist Guillermo Adrián their various roles within the Indonesian Divito was given the opportunity to travel mango industry. The group included to Australia in July to work with Associate leaders from farmer groups over most of Professor Victor Sandras from the South the major mango districts in East, West Australian Research & Development and Central Java, leading researchers, Institute (SARDI) on methods to assess extension officers, exporters and other nitrogen fixation in field-growth grain key stakeholders in the mango export legumes. chain. SARDI is currently engaged in major Hands-on activities were incorporated projects on pulse pre-breeding and into various sessions in order to expose agronomy, funded by GRDC, SAGIT participants to the workshop processes and Australia-India Research Fund – with and provide them with ideas that they a primary interest in pulse adaptation could use with regional grower groups The class underway in Vientiane to heat and water stress. Given the and supply chains. importance of nitrogen nutrition to stress Crop disease diagnostics tolerance, Mr Divito’s insights proved to The training has resulted in improved be timely and relevant. dissemination and adoption of research The Crawford Fund’s support through and information outputs from current a capacity building program in crop In addition, a joint publication has been mango research and stronger linkages disease diagnostics, Integrated Disease produced that consolidates the working between the various research and Management (IDM) and quarantine link between SARDI and the University extension groups working in mangoes in issues in the Lao PDR is ongoing. As of Mar del Plata in Argentina, where Mr Indonesia. part of this effort, an intensive training Divito is a PhD candidate. The paper, course was held between 12 August – 5 titled “How do phosphorus, potassium NSW September involving 16 participants from and sulphur affect plant growth and various divisions of the Department of symbiotic nitrogen fixation in crop and Pig nutrition in Laos Agriculture and Forestry (PAFO) as well pasture legumes? A meta-analysis”, has as agriculture college staff and final year been submitted for publication to an An increasing number of farmers in the university students. North of Laos are moving away from international journal.
[10] CRAWFORD FUND TRAINING FOR IMPACT
Mr Divito checking field growth of legumes
“The training has allowed me to develop higher-level skills in the scientific process of literature review, gain a better understanding in the use of statistical The trainees complete their aquaculture course tools for the analysis of a wide data set (Uttar Pradesh) and Buxar, Bhojpur from the participating universities to from the scientific literature and expand and Samastipur (Bihar) (see map) and develop quantitative genetics courses my personal and scientific perspectives undergo four months of training at the for undergraduate and postgraduate through interacting with the broader Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment students at their respective institutions academic and scientific community,” Mr and Remediation (CERAR), University throughout the country. Divito said. of South Australia under the guidance Targeting arsenic of Dr Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman QUEENSLAND and Professor Ravi Naidu. The training contamination focused on the analysis of arsenic and Sustainable aquaculture The problem of water contamination in other elements in various environmental Aquaculture is an important economic India has reached alarming proportions samples using advanced analytical activity in many countries but there is since arsenic was first discovered in techniques. a need to develop more sustainable groundwater in June 2002. More than During his stay in CERAR, he gained practices in order to secure the industry’s 18 districts have been affected and the experience in the sampling, preparation future. To address this issue, the contamination has led to serious health and analysis of environmental samples Crawford Fund sponsored University problems amongst the population. including water, soil, biologic samples of the Sunshine Coast staff Dr Nguyen Hong Nguyen, Prof Abigail Elizur and Mr Manoj Kumar is a PhD student at and plant materials for the determination Associate Prof Wayne Knibb to conduct the School of Environmental Sciences of arsenic and other contaminants. He a training workshop in “Reproductive in Jawaharlal Nehru University, New received training on various advanced and Genetic Technologies to Promote Delhi. The Crawford Fund supported Mr analytical instruments such as inductively Sustainable Aquaculture” in Hanoi, Kumar to travel to Australia with samples coupled plasma mass spectrometry Vietnam. from four arsenic-affected districts Ballia (ICPMS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICPOES), The training included 24 participants Hi-Performance Liquid Chromatography from seven different aquaculture research (HPLC)-ICPMS used for the analysis centers and departments in Vietnam. of arsenic and arsenic compounds in environmental samples. Focusing on advanced reproductive and genetic technologies for aquatic animal He also received training on different species in Vietnam, the course received digestion procedures for the analysis positive feedback from all participants. of arsenic and other trace elements in soil and plants and used sophisticated “This successful event enhanced the instruments for this purpose. training and capacity of local staff to implement genetic improvement The training has allowed him to further programs for important farmed educate the local population about the aquaculture species such as tiger level of arsenic in various environmental prawn, white leg shrimp, stripped samples and has opened up new options catfish and barramundi. It also for research in the area. provided opportunities for USC staff Other training program outcomes include and participants to exchange practical the development of a network of genetic experience in order to identify research researchers distributed across research priority areas for future expansion of the institutions, universities and government collaborative program,” said Dr Nguyen Operation and maintenance of the ICP- agencies in Vietnam. In particular, Hong Nguyen. MS at CERAR laboratory the program has enabled lecturers
[11] CRAWFORD FUND TRAINING FOR IMPACT Ecological rodent Fisheries and Forestry, Queensland. workshop on the taxonomy and biology During Ms Chi’s visit she learnt molecular of mango gall midges, which was run by management and morphological diagnostic techniques Dr Peter Kolesic, a gall fly taxonomist. Rodents have an impact on virtually to identify plant pathogens – in With the help of Dr Kolesic, previously every sector of agriculture from the health particular, rust fungi. unidentified species from Pakistan and of the labour force to the production and Ms Chi had also visited Australia back in the Philippines were identified. storage of staple foods such as taro in 2011 with help from the Crawford Fund “The learning that I acquired could communities across Fiji. Leptospirosis, in order to participate in a survey of rust be extended to how I will approach a rodent-borne disease, is a significant fungi in northern Australia and attend the other pest problems associated with cause of mortality in agricultural Australasian Plant Pathology Conference gall-formers in the future - the galls communities. in Darwin. During her latest visit she was as extension of the phenotype of the The Crawford Fund supported training in able to complete a manuscript listing organism, the role of inquilines in the ecologically-based rodent management several new records of rust fungi that she ecology of gall formers and the variation practices at the University of the South had collected in Vietnam. in response of plants to gall forming Pacific (USP) in Fiji. The training was “A highlight of my visit was an invitation organisms,” said Dr Celia Medina from facilitated by Dr Grant Singleton from to attend the Awards Day at the 2013 the University of the Philippines Los the International Rice Research Institute Hermitage Research Facility Schools Banos. and included an open seminar for Plant Science Competition. With Dr Shafqat Saeed from Bahauddin more than 40 people from USP and support from Dr Shivas, I made a brief Zakariya University Multan Pakistan said government institutions, as well as a presentation on “Finding the fun in the workshop was a great opportunity smaller facilitated workshop for 25 fungi: our work as plant pathologists in to learn the techniques of gall midge participants who were guided through a Australia and Vietnam”. I hope to return taxonomy for the identification of series of formative exercises to consider to Australia to study for my PhD, working different species of mango gall midges. issues related to rodents in agricultural, with rust fungi,” Ms Chi said. “After attending training workshop, I was peri-urban and urban settings. able to prepare slides of different body The groups each conducted a decision parts of midges for identification”. analysis of current management practices and attitudes, which enabled participants VICTORIA to indentify a broad range of key issues. They included cultural values related to Spreading Landcare in rodents, the lack of information on rodent ecology and their role in disease and Africa agricultural losses in Fiji, and the need Landcare is well-known in Australia as for a cross-sectoral structure to enable the a successful community-based approach implementation of more systematic rodent that has played a major role in raising management programs. awareness, influencing farming and land management practices and delivering The Environmental Health Unit in the environmental outcomes across Ministry of Health in Fiji intends to Australian landscapes. use information from the workshop to develop more informed programs for The Fund has supported a range of rodent management across the country. training efforts over the years to spread Ms Chi with Crawford Fund Queensland the benefit of Landcare to developing Coordinator, Dr Kep Coughlan Early detection of plant countries. pathogens The taxonomy of mango In July 2013, Landcare representatives from across Southern Africa converged Educating researchers in Asia about gall midges on Lilongwe, Malawi to participate in a early detection and correct identification Gall midges are a major problem for the training workshop organised through the of rust fungi is not only beneficial for production of mangoes throughout the African Landcare Network, providing countries like Vietnam, but also Australia world. There are numerous species of a platform to support and enhance the – as it facilitates the pest risk analysis gall midge that attack mango, yet little expansion of the Landcare model across process for agricultural imports and is understood of their taxonomy and Southern Africa. provides early warning of new and a number of species have never been emerging plant diseases in the region. The training assisted representatives formally identified and described. from across Southern Africa work In August, Ms Tran Yen Chi, a plant The Crawford Fund recently sponsored towards building or creating a Landcare pathologist from the Vietnamese Plant Pakistani and Filipino scientists to travel program within their respective countries, Protection Department visited Australia to Australia to attend a conference and including Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, with the support of the Crawford Fund. gall midge workshop. Dr Shafqat Saeed, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Based in the state-of-the-art microbiology Mr Muhammad Rizwan (Pakistan) and Zimbabwe – and was facilitated by a and molecular laboratories at the Dr Celia Medina (Philippines) attended training team from Australia, sponsored Ecosciences Precinct in Dutton Park, “The 6th International Symposium on by the Crawford Fund. Queensland, Ms Chi worked under the the Biology and Ecology of Galling A range of topics were addressed, guidance of mycologist Dr Roger Shivas Arthropods” in Queensland. During including: discussions on the principles of from the Department of Agriculture, this conference they participated in a
[12] CRAWFORD FUND TRAINING FOR IMPACT
Landcare; Landcare Groups as a model “Indentifying the value components of of Agriculture and Forestry (HUAF) in for extension; application to livelihood the RD&E supply chain has allowed central Vietnam in late October. The approaches; partnerships; and the Enopa to work on a strategic framework, workshop was made possible by a monitoring and evaluation of Landcare with incentives derived from a true partnership between the University of programs. understanding of where true value to the Tasmania (UTAS) and HUAF, along The workshop featured a site visit to consumer is generated,” said Dr Mark with support from the CSIRO and the Salima District hosted by the NGO, Total Boersma from the Tasmanian Institute of Crawford Fund. Landcare, and the World Agroforestry Agriculture. Twenty-seven participants, 11 from HUAF Centre’s Southern Africa team. “We feel that the training has equipped and 16 from other institutions completed Enopa with higher level skills and the course. They consisted of lecturers, The workshop concluded with project abilities in critical thinking, critical research scientists and postgraduates, participants developing a Landcare analysis, strategic policy, value chain from a range of disciplines including action plan to implement in their analysis and agricultural technologies.” agriculture, forestry and conservation. respective countries and to support each There were 11 females and 16 males. other in their endeavors through the Mr Lindsay hopes the preliminary network. training will lead into a Masters by Participants were taught about the Research program. importance of identifying the issue, the TASMANIA “I would like to thank the Crawford Fund methods to be used, their validation, for having confidence in me by awarding and the implications and applications PNG supply and value the training award. The training was of the findings. They also learned about chain analysis highly relevant, useful and beneficial for how to create dot point outlines in my career development as well as the order to establish logic and flow within In order to take a closer look at agriculture industry in my home country their papers; the selection of a target technology supply chain issues, the and I highly appreciate your funding journal, and correct use of figures and Crawford Fund sponsored Research support,” Mr Lindsay said. tables, introduction and conclusions, and Scientist Enopa Lindsay from the abstract and title in a scientific paper. National Agricultural Research Institute at The importance of well- the Highlands Regional Centre in PNG to attend three-months of intensive training written papers at the University of Tasmania. Communication of research findings in The visit involved a value and peer-reviewed journals is the standard supply chain analysis of technology by which scientists and their findings conceptualisation, generation and are evaluated by their peers. Publication transfer between research providers in international journals ensures that and agricultural producers in Papua research findings are accessible to the New Guinea. The aim was to assess scientific community for use in related and better understand the current studies, which can lead to agricultural limitations to technology dissemination and forestry improvements around the between agricultural research providers, world. development organisations, and the A Scientific Paper Writing Workshop Hard at work at Scientific Writing worskhop ‘consumers’ of their product. was held at Vietnam’s Hue University Buckets of gratitude for Sallyanne Atkinson
The Crawford Fund Board and Queensland Committee have both celebrated the contribution and hard work of Sallyanne Atkinson as Board Member and Queensland Committee chairperson as she advised of her plans to retire from both positions. We are pleased to note that the Queensland Committee will continue to benefit from Sallyanne’s involvement at a State level. Sallyanne, who has been in special trade representative roles for the State of Queensland and the former Lord Mayor of Brisbane, was able to bring to both positions with the Fund her vast experience and networks as a leader in business, government, politics, management, arts and the community. Professor Kay Basford, President of the Academic Board of the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences at the University of Queensland and member of the Board of the International Rice Research Institute, will move from her position as a member of the Queensland Committee to being a member of the Sallyanne Atkinson (L) and Kay Basford at a farewell lunch with the Crawford Fund Board and chair of the Queensland Committee. Queensland Committee
[13] The 22ND International Grassland Congress
In the past, the Crawford Fund has supported a range of international fora which have food security issues as a key focus. One such event was this year’s International Grasslands Congress in Sydney. The greying of grassland scientists is an international problem that threatens the future of grasslands and the industries and people they support. The average age of grassland scientists is increasing and many are expected to retire over the next decade. In addition, the lack of investment in grassland research internationally has restricted the number of grassland scientists entering the profession and may decrease our capacity to deal with emerging challenges of a changing climate, food security and human induced degradation, if something is not done soon. The 2013 International Grassland Congress (IGC) focused on building the capacity of young grassland scientists to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and expertise from the soon to be retired to the up and coming. It was a landmark event – attended by approximately 800 delegates from 63 countries, including 200 Early-Career Researchers (ECRs). There were almost 700 scientific papers and more than 200 spoken presentations. The Crawford Fund supported the IGC through both training and media activities. On the training side, 23 delegates from Dr Jimmy Smith, keynote speaker and focus for media attention on food security during the developing countries were supported Grasslands Congress to attend training activities delivered were more than 60 primary media ‘hits’, ABC National Rural, ABC Country through pre and post-Congress tours and and these were picked up and repeated Hour, ABC Rural Tasmania, ABC 666 other activities. in radio and newspaper chains. Canberra, ABC 774 Melbourne, 3AW The main benefit delivered to each Highlights were two TV interviews Melbourne and many regional stations. trainee was a new, global network on ABC TV by Jimmy Smith from the Printed items were predominantly in the of peer researchers including well- International Livestock Research Institute Rural Press and online news providers. established Australian scientists. Two talking about the challenges of meeting One notable report appeared in the of the trainees are now exploring future demand for livestock products; prestigious scientific journal Nature, opportunities to undertake PhD studies and Jean-Francois Soussana, INRA, describing CIAT’s work on Biological in Australia. One is negotiating a post- France, and a Nobel Prize winner Nitrification Inhibition by Brachiaria doctoral placement. One is seeking to talking about managing grasslands in grasses. be linked to an existing ACIAR project. a changing climate. These two plenary The Fund welcomes these Several have indicated that they will seek speakers were also heavily involved in opportunities to be associated funds for ongoing collaboration with radio interviews. There were dozens of with prestigious international Australian research groups. radio presentations, especially on ABC events that provide a platform In order to help raise public awareness programs including Radio National for training and public awareness of the event, the Crawford Fund’s Cathy Breakfast, RN Bush Telegraph, Radio related to key food security Reade provided media management Australia News, RA Mornings, RA Pacific issues. before and during the conference. There Beat, RA Asia Pacific, RA Indonesia,
[14] CONTRIBUTORS The Crawford Fund Board of Directors financial year The Hon. John Kerin AM FTSE Dr Tony Gregson AM FTSE 2012-13 Chairman of the Crawford Fund, Chairman of Plant Health Australia and former Minister for Primary Industries Former Chair of the Board of Trustees of We wish to thank the following contributors to our and Minister for Trade and Overseas Bioversity International training and public awareness activities: Development African Studies Association of Australasia and the Dr Margaret Hartley FTSE Pacific The Hon. John Anderson AO CEO Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa Former Deputy Primer Minister and Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering AusAID Leader of the National Party
Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Mrs Sallyanne Atkinson AO Mr Ian MacKinnon Engineering Special Representative for Queensland Tasmanian Agriculturalist and Former Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Government in South East Asia Chairman, GRDC Southern Panel Society Dr John Radcliffe AM FTSE Australian Centre for International Agricultural Dr Denis Blight AO FRSA Former Deputy Chief Executive, CSIRO, Research Chief Executive of the Crawford Fund and former Director-General of CAB and Director-General of Agriculture, ACIAR - Australian International Food Security International South Australia Centre AVRDC - The World Vegetable Center Dr Terry Enright The Hon Margaret Reid AO Former President of the Senate and BECA - Engineering Consultancy in Australia, New Former Chairman, Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Liberal Whip Zealand and Asia CAB International Dr Alan Simon Finkel AM PhD Mr Michael Taylor AO FTSE CSIRO Sustainable Agriculture FTSE FIE Aust Former Chairman, Murray Darling Basin Authority Curtin University President, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering Department of Agriculture WA (ATSE) Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Qld Em Professor Helen Garnett PSM FTSE FAICD Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Qld Chair ABIN Board of Management Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Vic Customer focussed plant Geoffrey Gardiner Dairy Foundation Grains Research and Development Corporation variety design International Crops Research Institute for the Semi- Agriculture in Africa is at a tipping point, as farmers move from subsistence Arid Tropics systems and small scale producers aim to generate surpluses of products to sell in local, regional and/or international export markets. Enabling small scale International Mining for Development Centre producers to access the expanding markets is one of the critical challenges facing International Rice Research Institute policy makers. Murdoch University Central to the transformation of agriculture in Africa is identifying market NSW Department of Primary Industries demand and developing products with suitable characteristics to meet market requirements. Such demand can originate from producers, processors, and/ Primary Industries and Resources SA or consumers. A more customer focussed approach to plant varietal design will Rural Industries research and Development Centre impinge on public and private sector plant breeding programs. Decisions on Ruth and Des Bright determining the preferred traits for which to breed new varieties are paramount for success. South Australian Research & Development Institute University of Western Australia Private sector companies have considerable experience worldwide in developing crop varieties that fit the needs of customers. This experience in plant variety World Agroforestry Centre design can add value to public as well as private sector breeding programs WorldFish Centre in emerging economies. As economies mature and markets expand, it can be expected that the private companies will also become increasingly involved in breeding new high performing varieties to meet customer requirements and Donations can be addressed market demand in emerging economies. to: This issue of customer focussed plant variety design is being explored by the The Chairman Crawford Fund in conjunction with the Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable The Crawford Fund Agriculture and several other partners in Africa and Australia, as part of the PO Box 4477 Crawford Fund’s study of emerging issues in global food security. Kingston ACT 2604 For further information, contact the study leader, Dr Gabrielle Persley at [email protected]
[15] What is the Crawford Fund?
The Crawford Fund The Crawford Fund’s purpose For a Food Secure World is to encourage investment in international agricultural research (IAR) by governments and the Awards and Training Courses supported private sector, in the belief that it is an essential, high priority, by The Crawford Fund international activity. The following awards to individuals and courses for groups will be reported in future newsletters: We believe that IAR holds the key to alleviating rural poverty in developing countries, and can thus open the door to Training awards to individuals: economic progress. Good news Abdool- Wadood Moomen - Ghana Mr Md Harunur Rashid - Bangladesh is worth sharing, and the Fund’s - Development of multi-objective spatial - Reduction of Arsenic accumulation in Public Awareness Campaign suitability model: mining regions in focus vegetables increases understanding of the Dr Naeem Ahmad - Pakistan - Rice NGUYEN Xuan Ba - Vietnam - Building importance and potential of IAR, breeding - varietal and quality improve- scientific capacity in analysis of data its achievements and needs. ment Sirachai Arunrugstichai -Thailand - The Fund also has a training Herve Aholoukpe - Benin - Workshop Elasmobranch identification and market program that fills a niche by on sustainable management of soil in oil sampling: specialist training palm plantations offering practical, highly focused Sokchea An - Cambodia - Agri business non-degree instruction to men and Kavery Yogarayah - Sri Lanka - Skills planning, including scientific and econom- women engaged in agricultural development in genomic approaches for ic analyses in agricultural production taxonomic identification of fungal plant research and management in pathogens Temma Carruthers-Taylor - to Viet- developing countries. nam - Honours Research Project: As and P Mr Kristianus Hale Berek - West in ground and surface waters HIGHLIGHTS is the Crawford Timor - Integrated catchment management Fund newsletter. Letters from for increased agricultural productivity in West Timor readers are welcome and should be sent to the editor, Cathy Reade at [email protected] Training courses to groups: Highlights and other publications and materials are on our website: Indonesia - Furniture design and the PNG - Social science methods for application of the design into finished smallholder agricultural research: writing www.crawfordfund.org furniture products - Barbara Ozarska up qualitative and quantative research for publication - George Curry India, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand - Fish CONTACT THE CRAWFORD pathology workshop - Dr Susan Gibson- East Timor - protecting potato germplasm Kueh through seed certification - Dr Nigel FUND Crump For further information contact: Indonesia - Mentoring workshop for The Crawford Fund scientific writing at University of Papua - PNG - Coffee marketing - Peter Batt Mail: PO Box 4477 Joanne Wilson Kingston ACT 2604 PNG - Scientific paper writing course - Office: Level 3 Burma, Laos and Cambodia - Assessment David Parsons 10 National Circuit and quality control of beneficial microbes in Agriculture - Lambert Brau Barton ACT 2600 India - Acclimatisation to heat in sheep: measurements in thermal physiology - P: 61 2 6188 4370 PNG - The principles of soil and land Prof Shane Maloney E: [email protected] assessment for erosion risk - Peter www.crawfordfund.org McIntosh ABN: 86 141 714 490
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