ADVISORY BOARD OF AGRICULTURE

In reply to Mr VENNING (Schubert) (13 October 2010).

The Hon. M.F. O'BRIEN (Napier—Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Northern Suburbs): The Advisory Board of Agriculture has performed two functions: one to provide advice to the Minister, and the second one as the governing body for the Agricultural Bureau movement.

A new proposition is currently being developed that, in palce of the Food Council and a large number of advisory boards, including the Advisory Board of Agriculture, a new body, possibly called the 'Agribusiness and Seafood Council' or similar will be formed.

This new Council will have a more clearly defined role with a focus on what happens pre farm gate. It will be a Council that will cover all aspects of South Australian agribusiness and fisheries activities.

This will allow Government to capture advice from people within the industry who have something of value to contribute, using their expertise to determine opportunities for agribusiness and fisheries/aquaculture and economic development opportunities for South Australia.

The Advisory Board of Agriculture, as the governing body for the Agricultural Bureau movement may continue to exist, if its members see that it has a future, but it will not be funded by the South Australian government.

The Bureau movement is a very effective and extensive network through the rural community, which PIRSA and other government agencies will continue to collaborate and use to deliver information and to seek advice.