G/AG/N/AUS/96
20 April 2015
(15-2083)  Page: 1/17
Committee on Agriculture  Original: English
 
NOTIFICATION 
The following submission, dated 16 April 2015, is be ing circulated at the request of the Delegation 
of Australia . The notification concerns new or modified domestic support measures exempt from 
reduction ( Table DS:2 ). 
 
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 G/AG/N/AUS/96 
 
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  Table DS:2 
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA 
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction 
(1) Full title of measure: Consultancy study into the agricultural sector value chains entitled 
"Value chain projects aimed at improving the competitiveness of industry sectors" 
(2) Domestic legislation:  Nil 
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criteria:  
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with paragraph 2(a) of 
Annex 2 relating to research: 
 
The consultancy study analyses supply chains and undertakes consumer research. 
(4) Cost of measure: 2011-2012 expenditure: $A 0.0176 million. 
(5) Date of entry into effect:  1 July 2011. 
(6) Period of application:  2011-2012. 
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s)):  
 G/AG/N/AUS/96 
 
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  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA 
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction 
 (1) Full title of measure: Animal Health Australia  
(2) Domestic legislation: Australian Animal Health Council (Live-stock Industries) Funding 
Act 1996  
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criteria: 
 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with paragraph 2(b) of 
Annex 2 relating to pest and disease control: 
 The Australian Government provides funding to Animal Health Australia (AHA) for its general 
operations to facilitate the improvements in Australia's animal health policy and practice. 
AHA builds capacity to enhance emergency animal disease preparedness, to ensure that Australia's livestock health systems support productivity, competitive advantages and 
preferred market access, and to contribute to the protection of human health, the 
environment and recreational activities.  
(4) Cost of measure: 2011-2012 expenditure: $A 2.24 million.  
(5) Date of entry into effect:  1996.  
(6) Period of application: Unlimited.  
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s)): Sheep and livestock . G/AG/N/AUS/96 
 
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  Table DS:2 
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA 
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction 
(1) Full title of measure: Caring for Our Country – Pest and Disease Eradication  
(2) Domestic legislation:  
Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed  
National Environmental Biosecurity Response Agreement  
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criteria: 
This notification is a modification of reportin g for five previous support measures which were 
previously reported separately, but will now be reported under "Caring for Our 
Country - Pest and Disease Eradication" which is the Australia Government programme 
which funds all the previously individually reported measures: 
• Emergency Management of Pest and Disease Incursions, 
• National Siam Weed Eradication Programme, 
• Queensland Four Tropical Weeds Eradication Programme, 
• National Branched Broomrape Eradication Programme, 
• Caring for Our Country – Natural Heritage Trust, Weeds of National Significance. 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with paragraph 2(b) of 
Annex 2 relating to pest and disease control and, in particular, eradication:  
Caring for Our Country allocates funds to pest and disease eradication with the goal to 
eradicate incursions of specific exotic plant pests and diseases from the country. These 
initiatives are necessary when a pest or disease has the potential to seriously impact 
Australia's economy, environment and people's lifestyle.  
The programme is jointly administered by the Australian Government Department of 
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Australian Government Department of 
Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.  
(4) Cost of measure: 2011-2012 expenditure: $A 16.789 million.  
(5) Date of entry into effect: 2008.  
(6) Period of application: Funding until 2017-2018 financial year.  
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s)):  
 G/AG/N/AUS/96 
 
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  Table DS:2 
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA 
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction 
(1) Full title of measure: Natural Resources Management – South Australia  
(2) Domestic legislation: The Natural Resource Management Act 2004 SA  
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criteria: 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with Annex 2, 
paragraph 2(b) relating to pest and disease control: 
The measure provides weed and feral anim al management, coordination, science and 
extension across South Australia, and not just to the agriculture sector. 
The measure supports agricultural producers, nature conservation and public safety. 
(4) Cost of measure: 2011-2012 expenditure (includes nature conservation): $A 1.362.  
(5) Date of entry into effect: 01 July 2010.  
(6) Period of application: Unlimited.  
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s)): G/AG/N/AUS/96 
 
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  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA 
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction 
(1) Full title of measure: Plant Health Australia  
(2) Domestic legislation: Nil 
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criteria: 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with paragraph 2(b) of 
Annex 2 relating to pest and disease control: 
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry provides 
funding to Plant Health Australia (PHA) for specific projects to facilitate improvements in 
Australia's plant health policy and practice, particularly emergency management and disease 
response. Plant Health Australia is the national coordinator of the government-industry partnership for plant biosecurity. PHA leads the development of tools, information and 
networks that reduce the threat and potential impact posed by emergency plant pests. 
(4) Cost of measure: 2011-2012 expenditure: $A 1.184 million.  
(5) Date of entry into effect:  2000.  
(6) Period of application: Unlimited.  
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s)): G/AG/N/AUS/96 
 
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  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA 
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction 
(1) Full title of measure: Industry Skills Councils - Agrifood Skills Australia Industry Skills 
Council  
(2) Domestic legislation: Nil 
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criteria: 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with Annex 2, 
paragraphs 2(c) relating to training services: 
The Australian Government provides funds to Agrifood Skills Australia Industry Skills Council 
to engage with agriculture sector to develop nationally agreed vocational qualifications. 
These qualifications provide a nationally consistent standard against which workers can gain skills, re-skill and up skill. Workforce development advice is available to ensure that training 
or skills development meets the needs of the enterprise or individual. 
(4) Cost of measure:  
2011-2012 expenditure: $A 4.9 million. 
Overall budgeted cost: $A 13.5 million. 
(5) Date of entry into effect: Current funding agreement commenced 1 July 2011. 
(6) Period of application:  1 July 2011 to 30 June 2014. 
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s)): G/AG/N/AUS/96 
 
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  Table DS:2 
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA 
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction 
(1) Full title of measure: Caring for our Country - Reef Rescue  
(2) Domestic legislation: Nil 
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criteria: 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with paragraphs 2(d) 
relating to extension and advisory services of Annex 2:  
The measure provides managers, regulators and the agricultural industry with data to 
improve the assessment of the risks posed by ag ricultural pesticides to the Great Barrier 
Reef. 
The Reef Rescue Programme represents a coordinated approach to environmental 
management in Australia and is the single largest commitment ever made to address the 
threats of declining water quality and climat e change to the Great Barrier Reef World 
Heritage Area. 
(4) Cost of measure: 
2011-2012 expenditure: $A 0.031 million.  
Overall budgeted cost: $ unknown. 
(5) Date of entry into effect:  30 September 2011. 
(6) Period of application: Ongoing. 
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s)):  
 
 G/AG/N/AUS/96 
 
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  Table DS:2 
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA 
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction 
(1) Full title of measure: National Environmental Research Programme — Tropical 
Ecosystems Hub research  
(2) Domestic legislation: Nil 
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criteria: 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with paragraphs 2(d) of 
Annex 2 relating to extension and advisory services: 
The programme provides managers, regulators an d the agricultural industry with data to 
improve the assessment of the risks posed by ag ricultural pesticides to the Great Barrier 
Reef. 
This programme improves capacity to understan d, manage and conserve Australia's unique 
biodiversity and ecosystems through the generation of world-class research, and its 
delivery to Australian environmental decision-makers and other stakeholders 
(4) Cost of measure: 
2011-2012 expenditure: $A 0.093 million. 
Overall budgeted cost: unknown. 
(5) Date of entry into effect:  1 July 2011. 
(6) Period of application: 1 July 2011 - 30 December 2014. 
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s)):  
 G/AG/N/AUS/96 
 
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  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA 
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction 
(1) Full title of measure: Natural Resource Management – Northern Territory  
(2) Domestic legislation: Nil 
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criteria: 
This is a modification of reporting for this measure. This measure was previously reported as 
an exemption from reduction commitments under Annex 2, paragraph 12 'payments under environmental programs'.  
The Australian Government now considers that this measure is exempt from reduction 
commitments consistent with Annex 2, paragraph 2(d) - extension and advisory services:  
This ongoing initiative provides integrated support, advisory, monitoring and regulatory 
services in respect of the Northern Territory's natural resources. 
Under this measure the Northern Territory government: 
• Establishes effective monitoring programmes, 
• Delivers appropriate extension services, 
• Regulates under provision of Pastoral Land, Bushfires, Soil Conservation and Land 
Utilisation, Planning and Water Acts, 
• Involves community in participatory programmes. 
(4) Cost of measure: 2011-2012 expenditure: $A 18.35 million  
(5) Date of entry into effect: First reported in the 2003-2004 financial year G/AG/N/AUS/54.  
(6) Period of application: Unlimited.  
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s)): G/AG/N/AUS/96 
 
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  Table DS:2 
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA 
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction 
(1) Full title of measure: Farmers Markets Support Programme  
(2) Domestic legislation: Nil 
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criteria: 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with Annex 2, 
paragraphs 2(c), (f) and (g) relating to the pr ovisions of training, marketing and promotion, 
and infrastructure services respectively: 
The Farmers Markets Support Programme (FMS) facilitates the development of farmers' 
markets throughout regional Victoria and around metropolitan Melbourne. Farmers' markets 
sell local fresh produce directly to consumers. These markets are an important source of retail sales and income to small agricultural producers in regional Victoria and around 
metropolitan Melbourne. In addition, the markets attract visitors to regional towns 
facilitating local tourism and provide economic stimulus. 
The FMS provides skills training and marketing advice services and also provides grants to 
the peak industry body the Victorian Farmer s Markets Association. Regional Development 
Victoria (RDV) administers the FMS. 
(4) Cost of measure: 
2011-2012 expenditure: $A 0.4 million.  
Overall budgeted cost: $A 2 million. 
(5) Date of entry into effect:  1st July 2011. 
(6) Period of application:  July 2011 to June 2015. 
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s)):  
 G/AG/N/AUS/96 
 
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  Table DS:2  
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA 
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction 
(1) Full title of measure: Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative Phase 3  
(2) Domestic legislation: Nil 
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criteria: 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with Annex 2, 
paragraph 2(g) in relation to 'off-farm' infrastructure . This measure is also exempt from 
reduction commitments consistent with Annex 2, paragraph 12 in relation to 'on-farm' infrastructure that is meeting the specific conditions defined by a government environment 
programme with the payments being limited to the extra costs or loss of income involved in 
complying with the government programme: 
The Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative (GABSI) addresses the Great Artesian 
Basin's decline in pressure through the replacement of inefficient bore drains with pipeline 
reticulation systems. It is a 15 year programme jointly funded by the Australian, New South Wales, South Australian and Queensland govern ments. The first five-year phase of GABSI 
began in 1999 to assist landholders accelerate work on capping uncontrolled artesian bores 
and replacing wasteful open earthen bore drains with pipes. A second five-year phase of GABSI began in 2004, with GABSI Phase 3 commencing in 2009.  
Phase 3 establishes a basin-wide monitoring ne twork to improve the quality of information 
about the basin and enable better management of whole of basin issues. The Northern 
Territory government is engaged in this latter part of GABSI.  
(4) Cost of measure:  2011-2012 expenditure: $A 14.01 million. 
(5) Date of entry into effect:  1 July 2009. 
(6) Period of application:  2009-2015. 
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s)):  G/AG/N/AUS/96 
 
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  Table DS:2 
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA 
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction 
(1) Full title of measure: Northern Australia Beef Industry Strategy – Indigenous Pastoral 
Project  
(2) Domestic legislation: Nil 
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criteria: 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with paragraphs 2(c) 
and 2(d) of Annex 2 relating to training services as well as extension and advisory services respectively:  
The project develops a step by step manual for northern Australian Indigenous pastoral 
communities with clear pathways to follow in order to develop their properties into more productive, commercially viable and sustainable enterprises. 
The project utilizes existing state extension ne tworks and systems to further extend the final 
manual to indigenous pastoralists within the three jurisdictions. 
(4) Cost of measure: 2011-2012 expenditure: $A 0.5 million. 
(5) Date of entry into effect:  June 2012. 
(6) Period of application:  June 2012 to February 2014, all payments were made in June 2012. 
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s)): G/AG/N/AUS/96 
 
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  Table DS:2 
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA 
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction 
(1) Full title of measure: Clean Energy Future – Creating Opportunities on the Land  
(2) Domestic legislation: Nil 
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criteria: 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with paragraphs 2(c) and 
2(d) of Annex 2 relating to training services as well as extension and advisory services respectively: 
The Australian Government Department of Ag riculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) 
administers elements of the Carbon Farming Futures programme (CFF) under the Clean 
Energy Future – Creating Opportunities on the Land – extending the benefits of the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) measure. 
DAFF is responsible for de livering the following: 
• Filling the Research Gap (2011–12 to 2016–17) - supports research into new 
technologies and practices to reduce emissions and store carbon in the landscape. 
The programme is funds a national survey to identify existing land management 
practices. 
• Action on the Ground (2011–12 to 2016–17) - assists industry and farming groups to 
undertake on farm trials to apply resear ch outcomes in real farming situations. 
• Extension and Outreach (2011–12 to 2016–17) - provides technical information and 
support to assist farmers, land managers and their key influencers to participate in land sector emissions management activities and the CFI. 
(4) Cost of measure:  
2011–12 expenditure $A 26.674 million. 
 
Overall budgeted cost $A 365 million. 
(5) Date of entry into effect:  10 July 2011 (date the programme was announced). 
(6) Period of application:  10 July 2011 to 30 June 2017. 
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s)):   G/AG/N/AUS/96 
 
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  Table DS:2 
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA 
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction 
(1) Full title of measure: Biodiversity Fund  
(2) Domestic legislation: Nil 
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criteria: 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with paragraph 12 of 
Annex 2 relating to payments under environmental programmes:  
The Biodiversity Fund is a programme under the Australian Government's Land Sector 
Package which provides grants to farmers to help them comply the Clean Energy Future 
Plan. This includes funding to assist land managers to store carbon, enhance biodiversity 
and build greater environmental resilience across the Australian landscape. It provides support for the establishment and management of native vegetation on their land and 
reduces the effects of climate change by improv ing landscape resilience, increasing stores of 
carbon and reducing greenhouse gases.  
(4) Cost of measure: 
2011-2012 expenditure (agriculture sector): $A 16.1 million.  
Overall budgeted cost: $A 382.9 million. 
(5) Date of entry into effect:  July 2011. 
(6) Period of application:  July 2011 – June 2018. 
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s)):  
 G/AG/N/AUS/96 
 
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  Table DS:2 
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA 
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction 
(1) Full title of measure: Australian Wine Industry Support Programme  
(2) Domestic legislation: Wine Australia Corporation Act 1980  (Australian Government)  
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criteria: 
This measure is exempt from reduction commi tments consistent with paragraph 2(f) of 
Annex 2 in relation to marketing and promotion services:  
Under the programme the Wine Australia Corp oration undertakes new marketing activities. 
The funds are used to develop new programmes to strengthen the delivery of Wine 
Australia’s marketing strategy.  
The funds are used in a consumer-focused campaign with two elements: 
• Savour Australia 2013:  A global wine forum which wa s held in Adelaide from 15-
18 September 2013, and involved international wine trade partners, media and 
Australian wine companies; 
• A programme in key international markets of consumer events, retail promotions, 
tastings, master classes, trade events and educational initiatives. 
(4) Cost of measure: 
2012-13 expenditure $A 1.050 million.  
Overall budgeted amount $A 2.1 million. 
(5) Date of entry into effect:  announced at the Federal Budget on 8 May 2012.  
(6) Period of application: 1 July 2012 – 30 June 2014 . 
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s)): Wine and wine grapes. 
 
 G/AG/N/AUS/96 
 
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  Table DS:2 
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA 
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction 
(1) Full title of measure: Wine Grape Growers Education Project  
(2) Domestic legislation: Wine Grapes Industry Act 1991  (SA)  
(3) Detailed description of measure with reference to criteria: 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments consistent with Annex 2, 
paragraphs 2(c) regarding the provision of specific training services: 
The South Australian Government funds the Wine Grape Council of South Australia to deliver 
The Wine Grape Growers Education Project. The project promotes greater adherence and 
understanding of the Wine Grapes Industry Act as well as wine contracts and measures that 
growers can take to reduce the risk of non-payment for grapes.  
The project conducts a series of 8 regional workshops (July – Sept 2013) with speakers on 
contract law, negotiating contract, vineyard viability assessment, interpreting market tends, 
and measures to protect grape payments.  
(4) Cost of measure: 
2012/2013 expenditure $A 0.042 million.  
Overall budgeted cost $A 0.042 million. 
(5) Date of entry into effect:  June 2013. 
(6) Period of application:  July 2013 – June 2014. 
(7) Products to principally benefit (if any individual product(s)) : Wine and wine grapes. 
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