Based at Rockhampton with Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries, Ms Newell will use the fellowship to undertake market research in the United Kingdom and selected European countries next year.

Agrifood Skills Australia sponsors two fellowships annually which are awarded by the International Specialised Skills Institute under its "Overseas Skills Acquisition Plan (Fellowship Program)".

Ms Newell said her proposed work plan would include targeting in-market research relating to agribusiness supply chains and mapping these supply chains to identify opportunities to expand Queensland exports.

"My Fellowship objective is to gain a better understanding of how Queensland agribusiness products are viewed by current and potential customers and use this experience to facilitate international partnerships and supply chain networks," Ms Newell said.

"There is a need to identify market opportunities that can differentiate products grown or developed in Queensland that will increase our international export market access.

"This Fellowship will enable me to develop my skills to secure current international market intelligence that will ultimately benefit colleagues from Queensland's trade strategies unit and statewide agribusiness export clients."

Ms Newell said her successful Fellowship application was supported by the Government agencies QPIF, Trade Queensland and AusIndustry with further backing from James Cook University (JCU), Beef Australia, Nolan Meats and TropLinks. She was also grateful to Kate Carnell, CEO of the Australian Food and Grocery Council and JCU for offering to make their UK networks available.

The other Fellowship recipient was Victorian free-range pork producer Fiona Chambers, director of Fernleigh Free-Range, Bullarto, who will also travel to the UK and Europe. Ms Chambers will pursue best practice management of free-range herds, managing sows, effective pasture and fodder crop use and responsible environmental management of soils and pasture.

Australia's agrifood industry employs 880,000 people, provides food for some 60 million people and generates around $208 billion annually to the national economy. The industry represents more than 140,000 separate enterprises of which more than 90 per cent are family-owned and operated.

Since 1990, the International Specialised Skills Institute - an independent, national organisation - has provided opportunities for Australian industry and commerce, learning institutions and public authorities to gain best-in-the-world skills and experience in design, innovation, traditional and leading edge technologies and management.

Image: QPIF senior trade and investment officer Helen Newell (right), Rockhampton has been awarded one of two prestigious 2009 Agrifood Skills International Fellowships. Helen is pictured at the recent National Agrifood Conference dinner presentation with John Baker, chairman, Agrifood Skills Australia and fellow award recipient Fiona Chambers, Fernleigh Free-Range, Bullarto, Victoria (centre).

Source: www.getfarming.com.au