NOTICE: Hard copies of the Australian New Crops Newsletter are available from the publisher, Dr Rob Fletcher. Details of availability are included in the
Advice on Publications Available.Jacquie Bodger
Account Executive
AgriInfonet
Queensland Department of Primary Industries
80 Ann Street, Brisbane, Queensland
Some time ago, a Queensland Government sponsored survey found that the information required by small to medium agribusiness firms (SME's) was not easily available to them in a relevant form. Also SME's were often found to be single handed and time was their most valuable commodity.
AgriInfonet is a subscriber-based export marketing information access and contacts service, set up by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries to address these issues. It has developed a system that has now been running for over two years.
A range of "at a glance" publications has been produced. These publications were developed in consultation with successful exporters and aim to assist exporters or potential exporters in evaluating products within and across markets. The exporter can then easily identify the more attractive markets for further research.
Currently available AgriInfonet Product Briefs of interest to new crop developers would be those focused on the marketing of cashew nuts to China, asparagus (Hong Kong or Japan), Chinese cabbage (Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan or Singapore), flowers (Hong Kong), lentils (India) and mangoes (Hong Kong or Japan).
There are also Country Briefs available for Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Fiji, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam.
When the products and countries have been decided upon, AgriInfonet can further help with overseas contacts. The system offers a quick way of canvassing the world. The computer based Contacts and Competitive Intelligence service matches the inquiry to information providers or contacts.
These contacts may be government and/or commercial contacts who receive the inquiry by fax and are asked to reply direct to the AgriInfonet client. This ensures complete confidentiality and provides the AgriInfonet client with a choice of information sources and a quotation of cost, if any.
A key feature of the AgriInfonet system is the screening and monitoring of information service providers, based on feedback from clients. This enables the service to become increasingly more effective in meeting client needs. Feedback from clients is encouraged.
If gaps are identified in the information products and services sought by clients, AgriInfonet will endeavour to source material to accommodate their needs.
The facilitation of networking between members is assisted by the distribution of a monthly newsletter, which includes feedback, features, news, names and contacts, dates for trade shows etc.
AgriInfonet can also refer clients to other services within the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and has access to information, which is not always readily available, or easy to access.
The system has recently been taken up by other Australian States, which in the future will facilitate the sharing of basic export marketing information Australia-wide.
Further details of the service can be obtained from:
Jacquie Bodger, Account Executive AgriInfonet
Queensland Department of Primary Industries
(80 Ann Street, Brisbane)
GPO Box 46, Brisbane, Queensland 4001 Australia
Telephone: (07) 3239 3307
Facsimile: (07) 3239 6292
International fax: 61 7 3239 6292
Email: agriinfonet@dpi.qld.gov.au
Web: http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/ams
Any claims made by authors in the Australian New Crops Newsletter are presented by the Editors in good faith. Readers would be wise to critically examine the circumstances associated with any claims to determine the applicability of such claims to their specific set of circumstances. This material can be reproduced, with the provision that the source and the author (or editors, if applicable) are acknowledged and the use is for information or educational purposes. Contact with the original author is probably wise since the material may require updating or amendment if used in other publications. Material sourced from the Australian New Crops Newsletter cannot be used out of context or for commercial purposes not related to its original purpose in the newsletter
Contact: Dr Rob Fletcher, School of Land and Food, The University of Queensland Gatton College, 4345; Telephone: 07 5460 1311 or 07 5460 1301; Facsimile: 07 5460 1112; International facsimile: 61 7 5460 1112; Email:
r.fletcher@mailbox.uq.edu.au[
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GK; latest update 6 June 1999 by: RF