G/AG/N/AUS/115  
 
15 November 2018  
(18-7204) Page: 1/12 
Committee on Agriculture  Original: English  
 
NOTIFICATION  
The following submission, dated 1 November 2018, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Australia . The notification concerns new or modified domestic support measures 
exempt from reduction ( Table DS:2 ). 
 
 
_______________  
 
 
  G/AG/N/AUS/115  
 
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  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AU STRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF ME ASURE: 
Improved Access to Chemicals Grants Program  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLA TION REFERENCE: Nil.  
(3) DETAILED DESCRIP TION OF MEASURE WITH  REFERENCE TO CRITER IA: 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with Annex 2, paragraph 2(a) 
regarding r esearch services.  
 
The Improved Access to Chemicals Grants Program is administered by the Australian Government 
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. This program helps growers get access to 
agriculture and veterinary chemicals they need when the likely product sales do not commercially 
justify a chemical company paying for registration (commonly referred to as minor uses).Grants are 
available to industry through portfolio research and development corporations to cover the costs of 
generating data and information needed for registration.  
 
• Up to AUD  50,000 to maintain, broaden or gain new access to a use through an Australian 
Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority minor use permit.  
• Up to A UD 100,000 to seek a new use of a chemical product on the label.  
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
The government has committed AUD 8 million over four years for the Improved Access to Chemicals 
grants program.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY IN TO EFFECT:  
The first round of assistanc e grants was provided in 2015 –2016.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLIC ATION:  
Rounds of grants provided from 2015 –2016 to 2017 –2018.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRIN CIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODU CT(S)):  
No specific product s. G/AG/N/AUS/115  
 
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  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AU STRALIA  
Notification under  Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF ME ASURE:  
The Australian Centre for Plant Funct ional Genomics (ACPFG) . 
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLA TION REFERENCE: Nil.  
(3) DETAILED DESCRIP TION OF MEASURE WITH  REFERENCE TO CRITER IA: 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with Annex 2, paragraph 2(a) 
regarding research services.  
 
The ACPFG is supported by the South Australian Government. It is one of the largest cereal crop 
genomics facilities in the field of abiotic stress tolerance in cereals, employing more than 80 research 
scientists and staff. Research in innovative applications o f plant genomics technology to develop 
improved agricultural products. Operations are guided by a diverse management team. The 
headquarters of ACPFG are based at the Plant Genomics Centre located on The University of 
Adelaide 's Waite Campus.  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
South Australian Government contribution 2015 –2016 is A UD 450,000.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY IN TO EFFECT:  
The Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics was established in December 2002 after it was 
granted A UD 27 million from the Australian Research Council (ARC), the Grains Research and 
Development Corporation (GRDC) and the South Australian Government.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLIC ATION:  
Ongoing . 
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRIN CIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODU CT(S)):  
Wheat and barley.  
  G/AG/N/AUS/115  
 
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  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AU STRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) F ULL TITLE OF MEASURE : 
National Ste rile Insect Technology facility.  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLA TION REFERENCE: Nil.  
(3) DETAILED DESCRIP TION OF MEASURE WITH  REFERENCE TO CRITER IA: 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with Annex 2, paragraph 2(a) 
regarding research services.  
 
The South Australian Government supported the building of the National Sterile Insect Technology 
(SIT) facility where male -only sterile fruit flies can be bred. The SIT facility will be able to produce 
50 millio n sterile male Queensland fruit flies each week once fully operational.The facility will help 
eradicate incursions of fruit fly into South Australia and control fruit fly in major horticulture 
production areas in the eastern States.  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
In 2015 –2016 the South Aus tralian Government contributed AUD 1.88 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY IN TO EFFECT:  
2014. 
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLIC ATION:  
2014-2017. 
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRIN CIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODU CT(S)):  
Fresh fruit and vegetable produce, including wine grapes and almonds.  
  G/AG/N/AUS/115  
 
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  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AU STRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
__________________________ _________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF ME ASURE:  
Horticulture Innovation Fund, Regional Jobs Fund.  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLA TION REFERENCE:  
The Regional Development Victoria Act 2002 provides the legislative framework for RJIF.  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIP TION OF MEASURE WITH  REFERENCE TO CRITER IA: 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with Annex 2, paragraph 2(a) 
regarding research services.  
 
The Horticulture Innovation Fund (Fund) is supported by the Victorian G overnment and aims to re -
invigorate Victoria 's horticulture sector through industry driven research and development. The Fund 
will encourage industry, horticulture enterprises and researchers to collaborate to deliver new 
knowledge and innovative value add ing products that will benefit horticulturalists, resulting in a 
more productive, globally competitive and sustainable Victorian horticulture sector.  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 1.0 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY IN TO EFFECT:  
1 July 2015 . 
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLIC ATION:  
2019. 
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRIN CIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODU CT(S)):  
Horticulture . 
  G/AG/N/AUS/115  
 
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  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AU STRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF ME ASURE:  
Improving Wild Dog Control.  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLA TION REFERENCE:  
Catchment and Land Pr otection Act 1994 (Victoria), Environment Protection and Biodiversity 
Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth) (Approval 2011/6183), Agricultural and Veterinary 
Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992.  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIP TION OF MEASURE WITH  REFERENCE TO CRITER IA: 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with Annex 2, paragraph 2(b) 
regarding pest and disease control.  
 
The Improving Wild Dog Control Program is supported by the Victorian Government. Under the 
Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 a landowner must, in relation to his or her land, take all 
reasonable steps to prevent the spread of, and as far as possible e radicate established pest animals 
such as wild dogs.  
 
The control of wild dogs on public land, including in remote and inaccessible areas, is largely 
undertaken by the Victorian Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP).  
 
The Australian G overnment provided, to the Victorian Government, conditional approval under the 
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) to conduct aerial baiting 
using 1 ,080 poison baits at 6 sites across Gippsland and North East Victoria until 2019. Baiting is 
undertaken hard -to-reach areas of Gippsland and north -east Victoria to continue the management 
of wild dogs and reduce stock losses for rural landholders.  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2015–2016 expenditure A UD 460,000 Overall budgeted cost  AUD 460,000 .  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY IN TO EFFECT:  
This initiative was announced in the 2014 –2015 Victorian Budget, May 2014.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLIC ATION:  
May 2014 till December 2019.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRIN CIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODU CT(S)):  
Livestock and sheep production.  
  G/AG/N/AUS/115  
 
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  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AU STRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
_________________________________________________________________ __________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF ME ASURE:   
Upskill and Invest – Young Farmers Scholarship.  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLA TION REFERENCE:  Nil.  
(3) DETAILED DESCRIP TION OF MEASURE WITH  REFERENCE TO CRITER IA: 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with Annex 2, paragraph 2(c) 
regarding training services.  
 
The Upskill and Invest – Young Farmers Scholarship program is supported by the Victorian 
Government and provides young farmers and those who work directly on farm. The scholarship 
provides up to A UD 5,000 towards training or study (Upskill), backed by further funds of up to A UD 
5,000 to invest on -farm or in professional development (Invest), putting new skills into practice.  
 
The Upskill funds can be used to meet the cost of study at a university,  a registered training 
organisation, or another quality training provider approved through the application process.  
 
Completion of study or training unlocks the Invest funds to invest in activities that support 
application of learnings from the chosen stu dy or training. This may include professional 
development, farm planning or other on -farm activities.  
 
To be eligible applicants must:  
 
• be aged 35 years or under at the time  of the application close date;  
• be working in a farm business in Victoria at least three days per week for the past three 
months;  
• have at least two years of total experience on -farm; and 
• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident currently residing in Victoria.Program 
guidelines are available at: 
http://www.business.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/1322768/Young -Farmers -
Scholarship -Program -Guideline s.pdf  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2015–2016 expenditure A UD 40,000.Overall budgeted cost A UD 500,000.     
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY IN TO EFFECT:  
26 June 2015.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLIC ATION:  
July 2015 –2016 to 2018 –2019.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRIN CIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVID UAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific products  
  G/AG/N/AUS/115  
 
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  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AU STRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF ME ASURE:  
Stronger Farmers, Stronger Economy – A fairer go for farm business – farm co -operatives and 
collaboration Pilot [Agricultural Competitiveness White Pape r (AWCP) Cooperatives and innovative 
Business Models].  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLA TION REFERENCE:  Nil. 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIP TION OF MEASURE WITH  REFERENCE TO CRITER IA: 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with Annex 2, paragraph 2(d) 
regar ding extension and advisory services.  
 
The two -year AUD 13.8 million Farm Co -operatives and Collaboration pilot initiative is supported by 
the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. It will enhance the skills 
and capacity of farmers to identify and capitalise on opportunities for capturing greater value from 
the supply chain through adoption of collaborative and innovative business strategies. This will 
include enabling access to relevant training, advice, service and expertis e. It will also address 
impediments in the operating environment for collaborative and innovative farm businesses, 
including the upskilling of farm advisers.  
 
The pilot initiative is being delivered by Southern Cross University, has a national focus and w ill 
provide advice and assistance to farmers throughout Australia who are looking to establish co -
operatives or collaborative business models.  
 
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has no responsibility for administering pilot co -
operatives fu nding as this is the responsibility of Southern Cross University.  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2015-2018 expenditure A UD 13.8 million.Overall budgeted cost A UD 13.8 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY IN TO EFFECT:  
Program announced 14 April 2016.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLIC ATION:  
The Farm Co -operatives and Collaboration pilot initiative will terminate in June 2018.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRIN CIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODU CT(S)):  
NA. 
  G/AG/N/AUS/115  
 
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  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AU STRALIA  
Notification under  Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF ME ASURE:  
Industry Development and Extension.  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENC E: 
State Government economic priority.  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIP TION OF MEASURE WITH  REFERENCE TO CRITER IA: 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with Annex 2, paragraph 2(d) 
regarding extension and advisory services.   
 
The Industry Development and Extension payments are supported by the South Australian 
Government. Payments to industry organisations to support primary and food producers improve 
management skills and production efficiencies.  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2015-2016 eligible expenditure A UD 0.060 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY IN TO EFFECT:  
Two payments to industry organisations commenced 1 July 2014. Two others are once off grants to 
support specific extension projects in wine and beef.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLIC ATION:  
1 July 2014 to 30 June 2018.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRIN CIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODU CT(S)):  
No specific products  
  G/AG/N/AUS/115  
 
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  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AU STRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF ME ASURE:  
Tasmanian Irrigation Tranche II  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLA TION REFERENCE:  
Federal Financial Relations Act 2009  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIP TION OF MEASURE WITH  REFERENCE TO CRITER IA: 
This program is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with Annex 2, paragraph 2(g) 
regarding infrastructure services.  
 
The Tasmanian Irrigation Tranche II is suppor ted by the Australian Government Department of 
Agriculture and Water Resources. The Australian Government will provide up to A UD 60 million under 
the Tasmanian Irrigation Tranche II Project Agreement to support the construction of sustainable 
irrigation infrastructure schemes that will assist communities, irrigators and businesses to use water 
resources sustainably and efficiently,  consistent with nationally agreed water reforms. The 
Tasmanian Government has committed up to AUD 30 million towards the program, with the 
remainder of funding ( AUD 27 million) provided by the irrigators who benefit from individual projects. 
The funding i s from the Sustainable Rural Water Use and Infrastructure Program. The Project 
Agreement was signed in February 2016.  
 
Agreement by the Australian Government to fund irrigation schemes is subject to a comprehensive 
due diligence process.  Funding is provi ded to the Tasmanian Government with irrigation scheme 
projects are undertaken by Tasmanian Irrigation, which is a wholly owned entity of the Tasmanian 
Government.  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2015–2016 expenditure A UD 4 million.Overall budgeted cost A UD 60 mill ion. 
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY IN TO EFFECT:  
24 Febuary 2016.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLIC ATION:  
24 Febuary 2016 to 30 June 2019.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRIN CIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODU CT(S)):  
No specific products  
 
  G/AG/N/AUS/115  
 
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  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AU STRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF ME ASURE:  
National Landcare Program —Sustainabl e Agriculture Small Grants Round 2015 –2016.  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLA TION REFERENCE:  
Natural Heritage Trust Act (1997), Natural Resources Management (Financial Assistance) Act (1992).  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIP TION OF MEASURE WITH  REFERENCE TO CRITER IA: 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with Annex 2, paragraph 12 
regarding environmental programs.  
 
The National Landcare Program - Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Round 2015 -2016 (Small 
Grants Round) is supported by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water 
Resources and is an element of the National Landcare Program. It has been designed to complement 
the implementation  of the Australian Government' s Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper (the 
White  Paper). Total funds available to the Small Grants Round was A UD 2 million, with funding 
allocated and paid to successful grantees in the 2015 –16 financial year.  
 
The grants increased the knowledge and capacity of farmers and fishers, and facilitate the a doption 
of productive management practices that will maintain or enhance the natural resource base.  
 
Farmers, farming systems groups and other eligible interested community or production -based 
groups were invited to apply through a competitive, open -call process for grants of between AUD 
5,000 and A UD 50,000. Projects related to agricultural production, including cropping, livestock, 
dairy, horticulture, mixed farming, pastoral, agroforestry (farm forestry) aquaculture and fisheries. 
Projects were of up to  18 months duration and should be completed by 31 December 2017.  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
AUD 3.46 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY IN TO EFFECT:  
5 November 2015  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLIC ATION:  
5 November 2015 - 7 December 2015  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRIN CIPALLY BENEFIT (IF  ANY INDIVIDUAL PROD UCT(S)):  
No specific products  
 
  G/AG/N/AUS/115  
 
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  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AU STRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
___________________________________________________________________________  
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF ME ASURE:  
EcoTender West Gippsland.  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLA TION REFERENCE:  
Nil.  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIP TION OF MEASURE WITH  REFERENCE TO CRITER IA: 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with Annex 2, paragraph 12 
regarding environmental program mes.  
 
EcoTender is a market -based approach developed by the Victorian Government where landholders 
competitively tendered for contracts to undertake act ions that produce improved ecosystem 
outcomes. Landholders choose between contract types including five year contracts and five -year 
contracts with permanent protection through on -title agreement. Successful bids offered the best 
environmental value consid ering multiple outcomes including water quality, erosion, carbon and 
native vegetation improvements. Successful landholders receive periodic payments over a five -year 
period for management activities conducted under signed agreements. This program has now ended 
with a final program evaluation underway.  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2015-2016: AUD 0.4 million.Total payments:  AUD 2.4 million (2011 - 2017) .  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY IN TO EFFECT:  
March 2010 . 
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLIC ATION:  
2010 and 2011, followed by five year agreements.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRIN CIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODU CT(S)):  
No specific products  
 
__________