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July 2008 |
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QPod the ground breaking cold chain transport/storage technology
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The QPod, a new Australian-funded cold chain transport/storage technology is forecast to improve the management of the temperatures of Australian perishable produce during transportation.
This technology is a new pallet-based transport system that is versatile and can run on electricity, battery and solar power. Proven success is already noted in the delivery of meat products to Europe.
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Australia: Rise in First Quarter GDP
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The Australian economy continues to show strong signs of growth, which fuels concerns about inflation. 1st quarter 2008 GDP figure indicates a 3.6% increase for the same period in 2007.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has been increasing the official interest rate in an attempt to curb inflation. Some analysts believe despite the increasing interest rate and a rising Australian dollar, inflation is not likely to ease off.
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Incident response protocol for industry on its way
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HAL has developed an industry incident response protocol that will be available to all growers and industry participants in mid 2008.
Supported by a panel of national network of food safety experts covering an array of areas, it is a practical guide aiming to empower its user with confidence to deal with potential food safety issues in domestic and export markets.
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International fruit and veg standards make slow but useful progress
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Codex is the international food standards setting body under the WTO agreements that affect international food trade.
HAL has been working closely with Codex’s counterpart in Australia (Codex Australia) to develop Codex fruit and vegetable standards.
The Codex Committee for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable (CCFFV) convened in May 2008, the international meeting was held in Mexico City and discussions covered some of Australia’s key industries.
Some key achievements at this meeting were:
- The apple standard has progressed to Step 5 in the Codex 8-Step process. An agreement was reached to include a draft provision for ‘firmness’ in the Minimum Requirements; an appreciation that location, climate and production practices make classifying varieties according to colour very difficult and potentially misleading and so forth.
- The Committee has agreed to forward the draft Standard for Tomatoes to the 31st Session of the Codex Commission for final adoption (Step 8).
- The requirements to differentiate better from sweet cassava.
Progress on the standards is slow because there are over 40 countries involved and meeting only occur every 18 months. However, the progress is beneficial to the industry.
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