WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/AG/N/AUS/73 
13 July 2009 
 (09-3405) 
Committee on Agriculture Original:   English 
  
 
NOTIFICATION  
 
   The following submission, dated 24 June 2009, is  being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of Australia . The notification concerns domestic support commitments ( Table DS:1  and 
the relevant Supporting Tables) for the fiscal year 2007/08 . 
     
  G/AG/N/AUS/73 
Page 2 Table DS:1 
DOMESTIC SUPPORT:  Australia 
 
REPORTING PERIOD:  2007/08 fiscal year (1 July – 30 June) 
 
Current Total Aggregate Measurement of Support  
 
Total AMS commitment level for period in question Currency Current Total AMS 
(from Section 1 of Part IV of the Schedule) (from Section 1 of  Part IV of the Schedule) (from attached Supporting Tables) 
1 2 3 
 
471.86 
  
$A million 
  
206.74 
  
   G/AG/N/AUS/73
 Page 3Supporting Table DS:1 
DOMESTIC SUPPORT:  Australia 
 
REPORTING PERIOD:  2007/08 fiscal year (1 July – 30 June)  
 
Measures exempt from the reduction commitment –“Green Box” 
 
Measure Type Name and descripti on of measure with reference  
to criteria in Annex 2 Monetary value of 
measure in year in 
question  
($A million) Data Sources 
1 2 3 4 
    
(a) "General services"    
    
Australian Government    
    
Research     
    
Cotton Research and Development Research into improve ments in cotton production. 3.13 Australian Government 
Department of 
Agriculture, Fisheries 
and Forestry (DAFF) 
    
Dairy Research and Development Research and devel opment into dairy production and processing. 18.30 DAFF 
    
Grains Research and Development Research and product development, improvement of production 
efficiency and optimal use of the natural resource base in the 
grains industry. 37.62 DAFF 
    
Grape and Wine Research and Development Research to improve the production efficiency, competitiveness 
and profitability of the grape and wine industry. 11.41 DAFF 
    
Horticultural Research and Development Research an d development to foster efficient, competitive and 
adaptable horticultural industries, including dried fruits. 35.41 DAFF 
    
Red Meat Research and Development Research  aimed at improving productivity and market 
performance of the meat and li vestock industry and further the 
sustainable use and manageme nt of natural resources. 35.41 DAFF 
    
Pig Research and Development Research and development programs to improve production, 
processing, storage, transport and marketing for the pig industry. 3.71 DAFF 
    
     
  G/AG/N/AUS/73 
Page 4 1 2 3 4 
    
Wool Research and Developmen t Research into on-farm productivity, quality assurance and 
handling.  Research and development in wool processing 
efficiencies and woolle n product development. 12.31 DAFF 
Rural Industries Research and Development Provides s upport for management of research and development 
programs for the rural sector focussing on new and emerging 
plant and animal industries an d generic programs such as 
agribusiness, extension, rural education and climate change. 16.1 DAFF 
    
Sugar Research and Development Research aimed at fostering an internationally competitive and 
sustainable sugar industry. 6.28 DAFF 
    
Land and Water Resources Research and Development 
 Research and development aimed at the productive and 
sustainable management of land,  water and vegetation resources 
underpinning Australian prim ary industries and regional 
communities. 13.02 DAFF 
    
Egg Research and Development  Research and development and policy services for egg 
production. 0.83 DAFF 
    
National Food Industry Strategy (NFIS)  
- Food Innovation Grants Program   
Research and development in Australian-based food processing 
firms to improve innovation.  
0.51  
DAFF 
    
- Centres of Excellence Program1 Research and development for food innovation and attraction of 
world class researchers. 0.00 DAFF 
    
Pest and Disease     
    
Australian Animal Health Laborat ory Maintenance and development of rapid diagnos tic services 
essential in maintaining Australia's freedom from serious exotic 
animal diseases. 7.15 DAFF 
    
Emergency Management of Pest and Disease 
Incursions Assistance with direct costs of emergency animal and plant pest 
responses. 3.96 DAFF 
    
Exotic Animal Disease Preparedness Programs Enhanced preparedness to respond to emergency animal disease 
incidents, including training an d development of disease control 
strategies. 0.56 DAFF 
     
   G/AG/N/AUS/73
 Page 51 2 3 4 
    
National Feral Animal Control Program2 To reduce the damage caused to agriculture and the environment 
by feral animals through: improving the effectiveness of 
techniques used in their control; publishing best practice 
management guidelines; encouraging the adoption of best 
practice management strategies ; monitoring Rabbit Calicivirus 
Disease to encourage its effective use in integrated rabbit control 
programs and funding programs in lin e with objectives of threat 
abatement plans. 0.70 DAFF  
    
NHT3 - National Weeds Strategy  Assistance to reduce the detrimental impact of nationally 
significant weeds on the sustainability of Australia's natural 
ecosystem and production capacity.  1.8 Australian Government 
Department of 
Environment, Water, 
Heritage and the Arts 
(DEWHA) 
    
Wildlife and Exotic Disease Preparedness Program The Wildlife and Exotic Disease Preparedness Program is a 
technical and financial program th at contributes to preparedness 
to deal with an outbreak of exot ic animal diseas e by developing 
practical field strategies to eradicate and control wild animals. 
Coordination of surveillance, research and training and 
communications.  0.29 DAFF 
    
Plague Locust Commission Assistance to engage in operations designed to combat outbreaks 
or potential outbreaks of the plague locust, the spur-throated 
locust and the migratory locust which are likely to result in 
damage to rural industries. 2.97 DAFF 
    
National Livestock Identification Scheme  Assistance to establish a nationally integrated system for 
livestock traceability as a manageme nt tool to deal with animal 
disease emergencies and food safety issues for the red meat 
industry. 4.67 DAFF 
    
Securing the Future - Protecting our Industries from 
Biological, Chemical and Physical Risk Assistance to ensure Australia's preparedness to respond to 
biosecurity threats to, and emergencies in, agriculture and food 
industries. 2.87 DAFF 
    
Citrus Canker Eradication  Assistance with direct  costs of emergency plan t pest responses. 0.64 DAFF 
    
Training Services     
    
AAA4 - FarmBis Program5 Funding to develop unique and re levant training for primary 
producers to increase business management skills and 
sustainability of farm business enterprises. 9.47 DAFF 
     
  G/AG/N/AUS/73 
Page 6 1 2 3 4 
    
AAA – Farm Help (job retraining) The retraining grant provides financial assistance to undertake 
approved training. Access to the gran t is subject to receipt of the 
Farm Help Re-establishment grant. 0.14 DAFF 
    
NFIS – Food Chain Program6 The objective of the NFIS Food Ch ain Program is to help build 
food industry skills, capabil ity and knowledge in chain 
management and to create awareness of the need for change. 0.00 DAFF 
    
Extension and Advisory Services     
    
AAA - Rural Financial Counselling Service The Rural Financial Counselling Service is a Commonwealth, 
State and community funded program.  The service helps 
primary producers, fishing enterprises and small rural businesses 
in rural areas who are experienci ng financial hardship and have 
no other source of financial advice. 13.45 DAFF 
    
AAA - Farm Help (professional advice)  Professional advice on the future  viability of the business and 
options for re-establishment out of  the farming sector for farmers 
in difficulty, and who cannot borro w further against their assets. 0.66 DAFF 
    
AAA – Industry Partnerships Program Partnership between Government and industry to help create a 
culture of continuous self-assessm ent, goal setting and strategic 
action at the national level.  5.19 DAFF 
    
Exceptional Circumstances Professional Advice and 
Planning Grant Professional advice and planning assistance to assist farmers 
develop business viability assessments. 0.60 DAFF 
    
Sugar Industry Reform Program – Business Plans7 Assistance to sugar cane grow ers and harvesters who access 
income support to undertake an assessment of the financial 
viability of their enterprise and develop an activity plan for the 
future. 0.00 DAFF 
    
Sugar Industry Reform Program – Advisory Group 
Networks8 
 Assistance to establish an industr y oversight group and regional 
advisory groups to oversee reform of sugar industry process. 0.00 DAFF 
    
Australian Vegetable Industry Devel opment Extension and advisory serv ices to assist the Australian 
vegetable industry to develop strate gic plans and projects to help 
the industry make operational improvements. 1.18 DAFF 
 
 
 
Other Exotic Disease Preparedness Program  
Awareness of Exotic Animal Dis ease (EAD) in the veterinary 
community through the publication of EAD Bulletins in 
Australian Veterinary Journals.  
0.07  
DAFF 
     
   G/AG/N/AUS/73
 Page 71 2 3 4 
    
Irrigation Industries Workshop Program Provision of in formation and technical support information to 
assist irrigators to prepare for and respond to the uncertainty of 
water availability, make critical  business decisions about their 
farm businesses and identify risk management options. 6.06 DAFF 
    
Inspection Services     
    
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) 
Post Entry Plant Quarantine Program Post entry plant quarantine services ensure that all plant material 
imported into Australia through Government Plant Quarantine 
station are screened for pests and diseases before release into 
Australia. 1.41 DAFF  
    
Reduction in AQIS fees and charges Partial cost recovery of inspection fees and charges. 40.90 DAFF  
    
Marketing and Promotion Services     
    
Australian Grown Campaign9 Australian Grown is a generic labelling campaign that aims to 
assist consumers to identify food products that are Australian 
grown, farmed or fished.  0.89 DAFF 
    
Infrastructure services     
    
Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative  Bore capping and related activities to eliminate wastage of water and 
manage the artesian water resour ce, thereby preserving options for 
the future. 8.15 DEWHA 
    
National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality  Assistance to community-based regional bodies to implement 
integrated catchment or regiona l natural resour ce management 
plans targeting salinity  and water quality. 90.53 DAFF 
    
State/Territory Governments    
    
Research     
    
New South Wales Development of technologies and practices which increase the 
efficiency and sustainability of food and fibre production. 50.00 NSW Department of 
Primary Industries 
(NSW DPI) 
    
Northern Territory To research new technology and products to enhance the 
competitiveness of the Northern Territory's agricultural industry.  7.04 Northern Territory 
Department of Regional 
Development, Primary 
Industry, Fisheries and 
Resources  
(NT DRDPIFR) 
     
  G/AG/N/AUS/73 
Page 8 1 2 3 4 
    
Queensland     
 
 
 
- Natural Resources Management Program10   
 
Research and data collection on land, water and native 
vegetation – including nutrients , salt, agri-chemicals and 
pesticides – to minimize land degradation, identify impacts on 
crops, predict movements through the environment, and develop 
ways of understanding and achiev ing long-term viability.   
 
 
0.00  
 
 
Queensland Department 
of Primary Industries 
and Fisheries 
(Qld DPI&F) 
    
- Research and Development
10 Research aimed at developing agricultural industries, aligning 
food and fibre production, processing and marketing with 
consumer and commun ity expectations. 74.40 Qld DPI&F 
    
South Australia    
- Rural Industry Development Fund  
Funding for marketing and research and development projects 
into agricultural industries.  
0.49  
Primary Industries and 
Resources South 
Australia (PIRSA) 
    
- Pest and Disease Control Research and Development Research development of pest and disease control programs. 4.63 PIRSA 
    
Tasmania The funding of research programs which develop and improve 
efficient and sustainable practices in agriculture. 4.30 Tasmania Department 
of Primary Industries 
and Water (Tas DPIW) 
    
Victoria Research and development into Victorian ag ricultural industries. 31.30 Victoria Department of 
Primary Industries 
(Vic DPI) 
    
Western Australia Research and deve lopment into production processing, 
marketing of agricultural production, sustainable land 
management and pest and disease control. 55.21 Department of 
Agriculture and Food 
Western Australia 
(DAFWA) 
    
Pest and disease control     
    
Australian Capital Territory Control of feral anim als (pigs, foxes, rabbits, dogs) and declared 
pest plants 0.22 Environment ACT 
    
New South Wales Provision of resources to ensure that disease and pest risks of 
particular relevance to agricultural production are minimised.  78.62 NSW DPI 
     
   G/AG/N/AUS/73
 Page 91 2 3 4 
    
Northern Territory Control of feral animal s and pests (such as wild horses, donkeys 
and wild pigs) and to contai n and eradicate noxious weeds. 2.53 Northern Territory 
Department of Natural 
Resources, 
Environment, the Arts 
and Sport (NRETAS)  
    
- Pest and disease control  
 Pest and disease surveillance, control of exotic pests and diseases 
and manage the response for emer ging animal and plant diseases. 6.10 NT DPIFM 
    
Queensland    
 
- Pest Management11 
  
Plant and animal protection and pest management services.   
0.00  
Qld DPI&F 
- Biosecurity Protection Services11 Programs to prevent and respond to pest and disease threats, and 
implement product integrity systems. 39.50 Qld DPI&F 
    
Tasmania Programs for the eradication and control of pests and diseases 
impacting on the agricultural sector. 12.70 Tas DPIW 
    
Victoria    
- Rabbit Management To minimise the ec onomic, environmental and social impacts 
caused by rabbits by encouraging farmers to implement 
integrated rabbit control progr ams, particularly those that 
maximise the gains from the introduction of the rabbit 
Calicivirus. 1.29 Vic DPI and Victoria 
Department of 
Sustainability and 
Environment (Vic DSE) 
    
- Pest Animal Management  A dvisory services to minimise the economic, environmental and 
social impact on all land in Vi ctoria of actual and potential 
animal pests (rabbits included). 4.36 Vic DPI and Vic DSE 
    
- Pest Plant Management Research and advisory services for the effective management of 
identified pest plants. 8.22 Vic DPI and Vic DSE 
    
Western Australia Pest and disease control for Wester n Australian agricultural 
industries. 14.55 DAFWA 
    
Training Services     
    
New South Wales Farm mana gement, productivity enhanc ement and sustainability 
training for agricultural producers. 8.45 NSW DPI 
    
Northern Territory    
- FarmBis12 Funding to develop unique and re levant training for primary 
producers to increase business management skills and 
sustainability of farm business enterprises. 0.24 NT DRDPIFR  
  G/AG/N/AUS/73 
Page 10 1 2 3 4 
    
- Regional Economic Development Fund Fundi ng to stimulate and support regional economic 
development through locally based initiatives. 0.01 Northern Territory 
Department of Business 
and Employment (NT 
DBE) 
    
Queensland    
- FarmBis13 Funding to develop unique and re levant training for primary 
producers to increase business management skills and 
sustainability of farm business enterprises. 0.18 Qld DPI&F 
    
South Australia    
- Farmbis14 Funding to develop unique and re levant training for primary 
producers to increase business management skills and 
sustainability of farm business enterprises. 1.82 PIRSA 
    
- Community Landcare Technical and coor dination support to community landcare 
groups.  0.04 PIRSA 
    
Tasmania    
- FarmBis15 Funding to develop unique and re levant training for primary 
producers to increase business management skills and 
sustainability of farm business enterprises. 0.65 Tas DPIW 
    
Victoria    
- FarmBis16 Funding to develop unique and re levant training for primary 
producers to increase business management skills and 
sustainability of farm business enterprises. 0.00 Vic DPI 
    
Western Australia    
- FarmBis17 Funding to develop unique and re levant training for primary 
producers to increase business management skills and sustainability of farm business enterprises. 3.46 DAFWA  
    
- Training and development 
 Training support for sustainable rural management, trade and 
market development. 7.88 DAFWA 
    
Extension and Advisory Services
    
    
Australian Capital Territory Provision of adviso ry and extension services to agricultural 
producers. 0.65 Environment ACT 
    
New South Wales Provision of advisory and ex tension services to ensure that best-
practice methods are adopted by the industry. 26.00 NSW DPI 
     
   G/AG/N/AUS/73
 Page 111 2 3 4 
    
- AAA – Rural Financia l Counselling Service18 Provision of a financial counsel ling service to help primary 
producers, fishing enterprises and small rural businesses in rural 
areas, which are experiencing financial hardship and have no 
other source of financial advice. 0.84 NSW DPI 
    
Northern Territory To provide extension a nd advisory services to primary producers 
(excluding fisheries). 3.34 NT DRDPIFR 
    
Queensland  Provision of extension and advisory services. 26.50 Qld DPI 
    
- Rural Water Use Efficiency Initiative Provision of extension activities to improve  water use efficiency. 1.25 Queensland Depa rtment 
of Natural Resources & 
Water (Qld NRW) 
    
-  South-East Queensland Irrigation Futures Program Provision of extension services leading towards the adoption of 
better water management/effl uent management practices. 1.50 Qld NRW 
    
South Australia Provision of extension ad vice to enhance su stainable economic 
development. 1.67 PIRSA 
    
Tasmania Provision of advice concerning farm management, finance and 
general agriculture and the dissemination of results from 
research programs. 5.77 Tas DPIW 
    
Victoria    
-  Extension and advisory services Provision of extension and advisory services to agricultural 
producers. 13.50 Vic DPI 
    
- AAA – Rural Financia l Counselling Service19 Provision of a financial counsel ling service to help primary 
producers, fishing enterprises and small rural businesses in rural 
areas who are experiencing financial hardship and have no other source of financial advice. 1.14 Vic DPI 
    
- Additional Extension for Decision Support Provision of  one-on-one technical advice and information to 
inform decisions by farmers affected by drought and water 
availability. 0.8 Vic DPI 
    
- Agricultural Recovery Response Provision of advi ce to encourage more active planning and long 
term drought solutions to create a more resilient agricultural 
sector. 0.42 Vic DPI 
    
- Drought Communications Provision of advice to  farmers on how to access information and 
assistance in response to the hardships caused by the prolonged 
dry conditions across the state. 0.65 Vic DPI 
     
  G/AG/N/AUS/73 
Page 12 1 2 3 4 
    
- Sustainable Farming Families Provision of information and advice to improve the physical and 
mental health, well being and farm safety practices of farmers 
and their families. 1.35 Vic DPI 
    
Western Australia    
-  Extension and advisory services Provision of extension and advisory services to agricultural 
producers. 31.12 DAFWA 
    
- AAA – Rural Financia l Counselling Service20 Provision of a financial counsel ling service to help primary 
producers, fishing enterprises and small rural businesses in rural 
areas, which are experiencing financial hardship and have no 
other source of financial advice. 0.11 DAFWA 
    
Inspection Services     
    
Australian Capital Territory    
- Animal Health Inspection services for the management of pest and disease 
threats to animal industries. 0.15 Environment ACT 
    
New South Wales   Inspection services for assessment of food quality and safety. 11.51 NSW DPI 
    
Queensland Inspection services for the management of safe and ethical food 
and fibre systems. 11.50 Qld DPI&F 
    
South Australia    
- Plant and animal health Inspection services for the management of pest and disease threats to 
plant and animal industries. 8.60 PIRSA 
    
- Rural Chemical Program Inspection services for the management of pesticide and 
veterinary medicine risks in animal and plant industries. 0.88 PIRSA 
    
Tasmania Inspection services for quarantine. 3.39 Tas DPIW 
    
Western Australia Inspection services for agricultural industries. 17.62 DAFWA 
    
Marketing and Promotion     
    
New South Wales Identification and promotion of market opportunities and 
promotion of value adding to agricultural products. 0.26 NSW DPI 
    
Queensland Market access and deve lopment services. 2.90 Qld DPI&F 
    
Tasmania The provision of polic y advice, marke ting and economic 
research, marketing and promoti on information and advice to 
agriculture. 1.10 Tas DPIW  
   G/AG/N/AUS/73
 Page 131 2 3 4 
    
Victoria Marketing services for a range of agricultural industries. 1.36 Vic DPI 
    
Western Australia To develop market oppor tunities for a range of agricultural 
products. 1.80 DAFWA 
    
Infrastructure Services     
    
Northern Territory To co-ordinate the provi sion of infrastructure essential for the 
development of Territory primar y industries and to attract new 
investments to the Territory. 0.00  NT DBE 
    
- Pastoral Water Enhancement Sche me To enhance land and water resource management on pastoral 
properties by encouraging sound pl anning of watering facilities. 0.30 NT DRDPIFR 
    
 
Queensland    
- Infrastructure Services  Provision of capital works for state water infrastructure 
development and provision of assi stance for the development of 
water infrastructure by others.  9.80 Qld DPI&F 
    
South Australia  Rehabilitation of irrigation supply infrastructure in the 
Riverland. 2.76 South Australia 
Department of Water, 
Land and Biodiversity 
Conservation 
(DWLBC)  
    
 Upper South East drainage an d dry land Salinity management 
program. 1.56 DWLBC 
    
Tasmania Assistance in the provision of rural infrastructure and associated 
services to ensure the continued development of efficient and sustainable agriculture. 2.76 Tas DPIW 
    
Victoria Funding for the management  and improvement of rural water 
storage facilities relating to irriga tion, drinking and domestic use. 33.62 Vic DSE 
    
Western Australia Capital works for government support services. 24.68 DAFWA 
    
Subtotal    1,069.70  
    
(b) "Public stockholding for food security purposes"    
    
Subtotal  0.00  
     
  G/AG/N/AUS/73 
Page 14 1 2 3 4 
    
(c) "Domestic food aid"    
    
Subtotal  0.00  
    
(d) "Decoupled income support"    
    
Australian Government     
    
AAA – Farm Help (Income Support) A short-term welfare safety net for low-income farmers 
experiencing financial hardship  and who cannot borrow further 
against their assets.  The support is provided while they decide 
whether to improve their farms' financial position, obtain off-
farm income or ex it farming.   1.00 DAFF 
 
    
Subtotal   1.00  
    
(e) "Income insurance and income safety-net 
programs"    
    
Australian Government    
    
Farm Management Deposits Scheme  The FMD scheme is a tax-linke d, financial risk management 
measure delivered co mmercially through part icipating financial 
institutions.  The scheme allows taxable, primary production 
income from profitable years to be set aside for subsequent 
'drawn-down' in low-income years; thereby reducing the risk to 
primary producers of income variability due to factors such as 
drought.  85.00 Australian Government 
The Treasury 
    
Subtotal  85.00  
    
(f) "Payments for relief from natural disasters"    
    
Australian Government     
    
Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate Subsidy21 Support for farmers whose farm business incomes have been 
adversely affected by exceptional circumstances (such as 
extreme and prolonged drought). 676.58 DAFF 
    
Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment Assists farm families in exceptional circumstances declared 
areas (eg extreme and prolonged  drought) to meet basic living 
expenses by providing sufficient immediate cash, equivalent to 
unemployment benefits and triggers access to auxiliary benefits 
such as access to basic health care. 395.00 DAFF 
     
   G/AG/N/AUS/73
 Page 151 2 3 4 
    
Citrus Canker Assistance Package Relief Payment22 Support to Queensland citrus growers and citrus production 
nurseries facing serious financia l pressure following an outbreak 
of Citrus Canker. 0.00 DAFF 
    
Special Disaster Fl ood Assistance Scheme23 Assistance to Queensland primary producers who suffered direct 
damage from monsoonal flooding in January and February 2008. 9.69 Australian Government 
Attorney General’s 
Department 
    
State/Territory Governments    
    
Australian Capital Territory     
- Exceptional Circumstances – Interest Rate Subsidy24 Interest rate subsidies for farm businesse s affected by drought. 0.12 Environment ACT 
    
New South Wales  Support to farm families and farm businesses to mitigate the 
effects of drought, floods, bushfires, storms and earthquakes. 26.90 NSW DPI 
    
- Exceptional Circumstances – Interest Rate Subsidy25 Interest rate subsidies for farm busi nesses affected by drought. 40.95 NSW DPI 
    
Queensland    
- Drought Assistance Assistance for primary producers affected by drought.  10.76 Qld DPI & F 
    
- Special Disaster Flood Assistance Scheme26 Assistance for primary producers who suffered direct damage 
from monsoonal flooding in January and February 2008. 9.69 Queensland Rural 
Adjustment Authority 
    
South Australia    
- Exceptional Circumstances – Interest Rate Subsidy 27 Interest rate subsidies to assi st farm businesses in the drought 
declared area of the Central North East. 4.85 PIRSA 
    
- SA Storm Relief Program28 Assistance for farmers located in the Renmark district affected 
by storm damage. 0.00 PIRSA 
    
- SA Planning for Recovery Program Assistance for fa rming businesses affected by drought to prepare 
and implement business plans. 5.74 PIRSA 
    
Victoria    
- Concessional loans  Concessional loans to farm businesses who suffered losses as a 
result of bushfires. 0.22 Vic DPI 
    
- Exceptional Circumstances – Interest Rate Subsidy29 Interest rate subsidies for farm busi nesses affected by drought. 14.53 Vic DPI  
    
- Water Tank Rebate Scheme Assistance for the purchase and installation of water tanks for 
farmers situated in dr ought affected regions. 0.78 Vic DPI 
- Bushfire clean-up and restoration grants Assistan ce for the clean-up, removal of debris and business 
restoration for primary producers suffering bushfire damage. 3.93 Vic DPI 
     
  G/AG/N/AUS/73 
Page 16 1 2 3 4 
    
Western Australia    
- Exceptional Circumstances – Rural Adjustment 
Scheme30 Short term interest rate subsidie s for farm businesses affected by 
drought. 0.99 DAFWA 
    
- Dry Season Assistance31 Assistance to farmers and pastoralists severely affected by 
prolonged dry conditions.  0.00 DAFWA 
    
- Pastoral Dry Season Assistance32 Assistance to pastoralists who have been severely affected by 
prolonged dry conditions. 0.00 DAFWA 
    
    
- Cyclone Isobel Relief Arrangements33 Assistance provided to farmers affected by the damage caused as 
a result of Cyclone Isobel. 0.00 DAFWA 
    
Subtotal   1,200.73  
    
    
(g) "Structural adjustment assistance through 
producer retirement programs"    
    
Australian Government    
    
AAA – Farm Help (re-e stablishmen t grants)  Grants to farmers in financial difficulty, who cannot borrow 
further against their assets, to leave the farming sector before 
their assets are completely depleted.  0.99 DAFF 
    
Dairy Exit Payments34 Assistance to farmers to adjust to the deregulation of the dairy 
industry.  Farmers must exit agriculture to be eligible. 0.00 DAFF 
    
Sugar Industry Reform Pr ogram – Exit Assistance35 One-off payment (subject to assets test) to eligible sugar cane 
growers wishing to leave the industry.   0.00 DAFF 
    
Exceptional Circumstances (EC) Exit Package The exit pa ckage assists primary producers in EC declared areas 
who have been severely affect ed by drought, to exit farming, 
ensuring that there is sufficien t financial support available to 
enable re-establishment outside farming.  4.59 DAFF 
     
   G/AG/N/AUS/73
 Page 171 2 3 4 
    
State/Territory Governments    
    
Victoria     
- Land Aggregation Program36 
 Program to aggregate non-viable  holdings.  Measures include 
property purchase, exit grants  and interest subsidies. 0.00 Vic DPI 
    
Subtotal   5.58  
    
    
(h) "Structural adjustment assistance provided 
through resource retirement programs"  0.00  
    
Subtotal  0.00  
    
(i) "Structural adjustment assistance through 
investment aids"    
    
State/ Territory Governments    
    
New South Wales37 Interest rate subsidies for pr oductivity improve ments, capital 
restructuring and farm consolidation. 0.00 NSW Rural Assistance 
Authority 
    
Subtotal  0.00  
    
(j) "Environmental programs"    
    
Australian Government    
    
NHT – Landcare Assistance to community groups to reverse land degradation and 
to promote sustainable agriculture. 74.42 DEWHA 
    
NHT – Bushcare Assistance to community groups to  reverse the long-term decline 
in the quality of native vegetation cover. 147.40 DEWHA 
    
NHT –  Rivercare Assistance for community groups to contribute towards the 
sustainable management, rehab ilitation and conservation of 
rivers and to improve the health of these river systems. 39.88 DEWHA 
    
National Landcare Program Assistance to facilitate the development and implementation of 
integrated approaches to sustainable agriculture and natural 
resource management in Australia. 35.52 DAFF 
     
  G/AG/N/AUS/73 
Page 18 1 2 3 4 
    
State/Territory Governments    
    
Australian Capital Territory     
NHT – Landcare38 Assistance to community groups to reverse land degradation and 
to promote sustainable agriculture. 0.44 Environment ACT 
    
NHT – Bushcare39 Assistance to community groups to  reverse the long-term decline 
in the quality of native vegetation cover. 1.38 Environment ACT 
    
NHT –  Rivercare40  Assistance for community groups to contribute towards the 
sustainable management, rehab ilitation and conservation of 
rivers and to improve the health of these river systems. 0.45 Environment ACT 
    
New South Wales Funding for programs for preventing and mitigating degradation 
of land and water resources associated with agricultural 
production. 20.96 NSW DPI 
    
Northern Territory    
– Natural Resource Management To identify land res ources and to evaluate their opportunities and 
constraints to ensure appropria te land management practices 
which conserve, enhance, and where appropriate, rehabilitate 
land resources and to promote and support community Landcare. 8.46 NT NRETAS 
    
Tasmania Provision of services to agricultural producers covering policy 
and regulatory frameworks to ensure equitable and sustainable 
provision of surface and groundwater resources and to limit 
environmental damage and to encourage sound practices to 
minimise soil erosion, sa lination and water damage. 8.52 Tas DPIW 
    
Western Australia    
- Salinity and natural resource mana gement Salinity control, soil conser vation and nutrient  management; land 
resource assessment and monito ring; engineering and water 
management. 39.3 DAFWA 
    
Subtotal   376.73  
    
(k) "Regional assistance programmes"    
    
Australian Government    
    
Rural Partnership Program41 Support to encourage self-reliant rural sectors which can adapt 
to: changing markets, economic and resource conditions and 
sustainable management of natural resource bases. 0.00 DAFF 
     
   G/AG/N/AUS/73
 Page 191 2 3 4 
    
West 2000 Plus  West 2000 Plus aims to contribute to a competitive, viable and self 
sustaining Western Division of New South Wales and to the 
development of robust, equitable and prosperous communities. 0.13 DAFF 
    
Subtotal  0.13  
    
(l) "Other"    
    
Direct Payments to Producer     
    
Australian Government    
    
New Industries Development Program Assistance in  strengthening the capa bility of Australian 
agribusiness in the development and pilot commercialisation of 
new agribusiness products, services and technology. 0.78 DAFF 
    
Dairy Regional Assistance Program42 A component of the Dairy Industry Adjustment Package 
designed to assist regional communities that have been impacted 
upon by the removal of state ma rket milk price regulations. 0.04 Australian Government 
Department of 
Infrastructure, 
Transport, Regional 
Development and Local 
Government 
(DITRDLG) 
    
Sugar Industry Reform Program – regional / community 
projects Funding is available for projects to improve the efficiency and 
viability of the i ndustry and region. 32.60 DAFF 
    
    
Subtotal  33.42  
    
TOTAL  2,772.29   
    
1 Program ended 2007-08 
2 Program previously called National  Feral Animal Control Strategy 
3 NHT- National Heritage Trust 
4 AAA- Agriculture Advancing Australia 
5 Program ended 2007/08 
6 Program ended 2007/08 
7 Program ended 2007/08 
8 Program ended 2007/08 
9 Program ended 2007/08 (previously called Australian Home Grown Campaign)  
  G/AG/N/AUS/73 
Page 20 10 Expenditure for Natural Resource Management is included in the ex penditure for Research and Development (entry directly below N atural Resource Management in table). In 2006/07, 
there was a change in criteria to coincide with expenditure re porting to both the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist and the Australian Bureau of Statistics. 
11 Expenditure for Pest Management is included in the expenditure for Biosecurity Protection Services  (entry directly below Pest M anagement in table), given that this role is administered 
by Biosecurity Queensland (Queensland Department  of Primary Industries & Fisheries division). 
12 Northern Territory component of Australian  Government program. Program ended 2007/08. 
13 Queensland state component of Australian Government program. Program ended 2007/08. 
14 South Australian state component  of Australian Government pr ogram. Program ended 2007/08.  
15 Tasmanian state component of Australian Government program. Program ended 2007/08. 
16 Victorian state component of Australian Government program. Program ended 2006/07. 
17 Western Australian state compone nt of Australian Government program. Program ended 2007/08. 
18 New South Wales state component of  Australian Government program. 
19 Victorian state component of Au stralian Government program. 
20 Western Australian state component of Australian Government program. 
21 From November 2006, eligible agriculture de pendent small business operators  were able to apply for Exceptional Circumstances In come Support. In September 2007, the criteria for 
small business applicants were e xpanded to include other types of small business operators. Whilst not all recipients of this p rovision are agricultural producers, for the purposes of 
providing a complete representation of this program, we have in cluded the portion of funds alloca ted to small businesses in rur al areas. 
22 Program ended 2007/08 
23 Australian Government component of joint Australian Government and Queensland Governme nt assistance scheme (funding shared on 5 0/50 basis). See also footnote 27. 
24 Australian Capital Territory component of Australian Government program. 
25 New South Wales component of Au stralian Government program. 
26 Queensland component of joint Australian Government and Queenslan d Government assistan ce scheme (funding shared on 50/50 basis) . See also footnote 24. 
27 South Australian component of Australian Government program. 
28 Program ended 2006/07 
29 Victorian state component of Au stralian Government program. 
30 Western Australian state component of Australian Government program. 
31 Program ended 2007/08 
32 Program ended 2007/08 
33 Program ended 2007/08 
34 Program ended 2007/08 
35 Program ended 2007/08 
36 Program ended 2007/08 
37 Program ended 2007/08 
38 Australian Capital Territory component of Australian Government program 
39 Australian Capital Territory component of Australian Government program 
40 Australian Capital Territory component of Australian Government program 
41 Program ended 2007/08 
42 Program ended 2006/07- expenditure in 2007/08 is an adjustment to  the amount payable which was or iginally recognised in 2003/04 . 
  
   G/AG/N/AUS/73
 Page 21 Supporting Table DS:4 
DOMESTIC SUPPORT:  Australia 
 
REPORTING PERIOD:  2007/08 fiscal year (1 July – 30 June) 
 
Calculation of the Current Total Aggregate Measurement of Support 
 
Description of basic products  
(including non-product-specific  
AMS) Product-specific AMS (from Supporting 
Tables DS:5 to DS:7 below) 
($A million) Product-specific equivalent 
measurements of support (from 
Supporting Table DS:8 below) Current Total AMS (aggregate) 
 
($A million) 
1 2 3 4 
Milk  206.74   206.74 
Sugar   2.40 (de minimis)   0 
Wheat  0.91 (de minimis)   0 
Cattle                        0.06 (de minimis)  0 
Non-product-specific AMS   144.98 (de minimis)   0 
   TOTAL:   206.74 
 
  
  G/AG/N/AUS/73 
Page 22 Supporting Table DS:6 
DOMESTIC SUPPORT:  Australia 
 
REPORTING PERIOD:  2007/08 fiscal year (1 July – 30 June)  
 
Product-Specific Aggregate Measurements of Support:  Non-Exempt Direct Payments 
 
Description of 
basic product Fiscal year 
beginning… Measure type(s) Applied 
administered 
price External 
reference 
price 
(generally 
from 
AGST/…) Eligible 
production Total price-
related direct 
payments Other non-
exempt direct 
payments 
 
 
($A million) Associated 
fees/levies Total direct 
payments
 
 
 
($A million)Data sources 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
(4-5)*6 8 
 9 10 
(7+8-9) 
 11 
Wheat  1 July 2007 (a)     0.91  0.91 DITRDLG 
Sugar 1 July 2007 (b)     2.40  2.40 DAFF 
Cattle 1 July 2007 (c)             0.06    0.06 NT 
DRDPIFR 
           
 
(a) Direct payment to compensate for shipping and freight costs incurred on domestic sales of wheat to Tasmania. 
(b) Direct payment to assist producers in the sugar industry to undertake operational restructuring.    
(c) Direct payment to compensate for freight  costs incurred by cattle producers in the Northern Territory experiencing severe d rought. 
  
De minimis value is $258.15 million (5% of total value of production fo r a commodity). 2007/08 GVP Wheat Production - $A5,163 million (ABA RE Australian Commodities, December 
quarter 2008). This report is available at http: //www.abare.gov.au/publicati ons_html/ac/ac_08/ac08_Dec.pdf   (page 139) 
  
De minimis  value is $44.25 million (5% of total value of production for a commodity). 2007/08 GVP Sugar Production – $A885 million (ABARE  Australian Commodities, December 
quarter 2008). This report is available at http: //www.abare.gov.au/publicati ons_html/ac/ac_08/ac08_Dec.pdf  (page 139) 
 
De minimis  value is $379.55 million (5% of total value of production for a commodity). 2007/08 GVP Cattle Production- $A7, 591 million (A BARE Australian Commodities, December 
quarter 2008). This report is available at http: //www.abare.gov.au/publicati ons_html/ac/ac_08/ac08_Dec.pdf  (page 140) 
   G/AG/N/AUS/73
 Page 23Supporting Table DS:7 
DOMESTIC SUPPORT:  Australia 
 
REPORTING PERIOD:  2007/08 fiscal year (1 July – 30 June)  
 
Product-Specific Aggregate Measurements of Support:  Other Product-Specific Support and Total Product-Specific AMS 
 
Description of 
basic product Fiscal year 
beginning… Measurement type(s) Other 
product-
specific 
budgetary 
outlays Other product 
specific support 
(include 
calculation 
details) 
 
($A million) Associated 
fees/levies 
 
 
 
 
($A million) Total other 
product-
specific 
support 
 
 
($A million) Market price 
support 
(Supporting 
Table DS:5) Non-exempt 
direct 
payments 
(Supporting 
Table DS:6)
 
($A million)Total AMS 
 
 
 
 
 
($A million)Data sources 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
(4+5-6) 8 
 9 10 
(7+8+9) 11 
Milk 
 1 July 2007 Dairy Structural 
Adjustment Program  
Support is provided to 
producers to assist 
adjustment to 
deregulation of the 
industry.  The payments 
are funded by an 11 
cents per litre levy on 
retail sales of milk.  203.17     203.17 DAFF  
 1 July 2007 Dairy Supplementary 
Assistance  
To assist producers who 
have been severely 
affected by 
deregulation.  The 
payments are funded by 
an 11 cents per litre levy on retail sales of 
milk.  3.57
     3.57 DAFF  
Wheat 1 July 2007       0.91 0.91 DITRDLG 
Sugar 1 July 2007       2.40 2.40 DAFF 
Cattle 1 July 2007       0.06 0.06 NT DRDPIFR 
 
  
  G/AG/N/AUS/73 
Page 24 Supporting Table DS:9 
DOMESTIC SUPPORT:  Australia 
 
REPORTING PERIOD:  2007/08 fiscal year (1 July – 30 June) 
 
Non-Product-Specific AMS 
 
Measure type(s) Fiscal year 
beginning… Non-product-
specific 
budgetary 
outlays 
($A million) Other non-product 
specific support 
(include calculation 
details) Associated 
fees/levies Total non-
product-specific 
support 
 
($A million) Data sources 
1 2 3 4 5 6 
(3+4-5) 7 
Young Farmers Scheme – 
Victoria a 1 July 2007 0.10   0.10 Vic DPI 
Murray Darling Basin 
Irrigation Management 
Grants Program b I July 2007 144.88   144.88                Centrelink 
Total     144.98  
 
(a) Interest rate subsidy to assist you ng farmers commence a career in farming. 
(b)    Grants program for Murray Darling Basin irrigators to im plement water management  strategies to address reduced water all ocations and maximise the productive use of available 
water.   
 
De minimis  value is $2,074 million (5% of total agricultural production) . 2007/08 Agricultural production - $A41,486 million (ABARE Austr alian Commodities, December quarter 2008). 
This report is available at http://www.abar e.gov.au/publications_htm l/ac/ac_08/ac08_Dec.pdf  
 
__________