Megan Hughes

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Articles

Push to bring clothes manufacturing back to Australia ramps up due to trade war

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Megan Hughes |Joshua Becker |Kate Forrester

The Australian Fashion Council has launched a national strategy to bring garment manufacturing back to Australia. Escalating trade tensions between China and the United States have highlighted Australia's supply chain vulnerability. Six consultation sessions will be held before a final report is delivered late this year. During Australian Fashion Week last week, models walked the runway clothed by home-grown designers, but while the designs were local, the outfits themselves were made overseas.
Native Australian fungi and bacteria found to stop unstoppable fall armyworm

Mar 26, 2025 | abc.net.au | Megan Hughes |Maddelin McCosker

New biological control methods targeting fall armyworm have been found by Queensland's DPI and the CSIRO after years of research. The naturally-occurring biocontrols act better than insecticides with some killing the pest within 24 hours. Research from the DPI is close to commercialisation and could be available to farmers soon.
Farmers' feelings are mixed about ACCC report into supermarket power

Mar 24, 2025 | abc.net.au | Lara Webster |Megan Hughes |Selina Green

Farmers have mixed feelings about the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's report into supermarket power. Some are happy to see increased transparency, while others are concerned the ACCC won't have enough "teeth". Some of the measures include weekly data about what supermarkets have paid for fruit and vegetables to an independent body. Recommendations made by Australia's consumer watchdog could even the playing field between farmers and supermarkets but not everyone is convinced.
Varroa destructor mite detected in Queensland beehives for the first time

Mar 4, 2025 | abc.net.au | Maddelin McCosker |Megan Hughes

Varroa destructor mite has been found in southern Queensland, the first detection of the world's worst bee-killing parasite in the state. Biosecurity Queensland confirmed the incursion at a cluster of four properties in the Lockyer Valley, about 100 kilometres west of Brisbane, which was identified by a recreational beekeeper conducting recommended alcohol wash tests. Further testing on neighbouring properties identified three other affected hives.
Roads minister reveals 'no meaningful work' on $1b Queensland inland freight route

Feb 15, 2025 | abc.net.au | Megan Hughes |Kallee Buchanan

The inland freight route needs upgrades to be a true backup to the Bruce Highway in times of disaster. Queensland's new main roads minister says there's been no "meaningful" work done on the $1 billion project in five years. Truck drivers and farmers want to see work start and the route extended north. The inland freight route is meant to keep Queensland open for business during disasters, but five years after the $1 billion "second Bruce" upgrade was announced no real work has been done.
Microscopic soil pest wreaking havoc on cotton crops in Queensland

Jan 7, 2025 | abc.net.au | Megan Hughes

A cotton-growing region is battling a microscopic soil pest that is decimating cotton crops. Scientists have found that a new legume — called sunn hemp — may reduce the impact of reniform nematodes. The trials are ongoing for the next few years to determine its success. For almost a century, farmers in the Dawson Valley have been successfully growing cotton, but that success has allowed a microscopic pest to flourish.
Growing chemical resistance in cattle ticks prompts push for new treatments

Dec 29, 2024 | abc.net.au | Megan Hughes

On a cattle property in central Queensland, Bobby Rowe is fighting an old enemy — one he fears may soon outsmart the tactics he deploys against it. At Weir Park near Gogango, 65km south-west of Rockhampton, an outbreak of cattle ticks threatens his herd. "You notice the cattle not looking as well as they should," he said.
Herb growers report bumper season but low demand in cost-of-living crisis

Dec 9, 2024 | abc.net.au | Megan Hughes

Herbs are growing in abundance thanks to ideal spring and winter conditions, but demand has stagnated as shoppers face the cost-of-living crisis. Richard Fairley grows herbs at his farm in Biloela in central Queensland. In winter he plants coriander, parsley and chives, for spring he has basil and oregano in the ground. "It's nice and green, it smells great, and everything's been going really well," he said.
Supermarkets could face fines up to $10 million under new grocery code introduced to parliament

Nov 27, 2024 | abc.net.au | Megan Hughes

In its final sitting week of the year, the Australian Labor Party has introduced its new food and grocery code of conduct to parliament. The new code is mandatory and supermarkets could face multi-million dollar fines for breaching it. It is part of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Fairer for Families and Farmers and Other Measures) Bill 2024. Assistant Minister for Competition Andrew Leigh said the government's intention was for the penalties to principally apply to supermarkets.
Scientists track notorious pest worldwide as it destroys crops in worst incursion to date

Nov 25, 2024 | abc.net.au | Megan Hughes

Australian researchers are tracking a notorious crop-destroying pest around the world as it spreads from continent to continent. Fall armyworm (FAW) has been referred to as the "coronavirus of agriculture" and the devastation the moth causes has been likened to that caused by a bushfire. It is known to feed on more than 350 plant species from maize to cotton and vegetables. Growers in Queensland have been dealing with the worst incursion of the pest since it arrived in Australia in 2020.