Jurisdiction State of Queensland Website www.daf.qld.gov.au | Minister responsible John McVeigh | |
 | ||
Preceding agencies Primary Industries and Fisheries
Queensland Department of Primary Industries
Queensland Department of Agriculture and Stock
Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Headquarters Primary Industries Building, 80 Ann Street, Brisbane | ||
Agriculture and Fisheries is a department of the Queensland Government which aims to maximise the economic potential for Queensland's primary industries on a sustainable basis through strategic industrial development.
Contents
The unit was formerly known as the Department of Primary Industries which was established on 26 September 1963.
Functions
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry provides expertise and support that increases primary industries productivity, expands markets and assists with adaption to change. It conducts research, policy advice, protects against pests and diseases, maintains animal welfare standards, as well as managing fisheries.
History
The first functions of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry began in 1855 when a sheep scab inspector began work in the New South Wales colony of Moreton Bay. After Queensland's Separation, livestock diseases were addressed through regulations administered by the Stock Branch in the Queensland Colonial Secretary's Office. The Stock Branch was established by the Queensland chief inspector of stock Patrick Robertson Gordon.
Biosecurity
The Biosecurity Queensland section is responsible for coordinating efforts to minimise the risks and effects of threatening pests and diseases. Biosecurity Queensland is responsible for weed management in the state.
In 2009, Biosecurity Queensland was successful in its attempt to eradicate a citrus canker outbreak in Central Queensland. The Tree of Knowledge was successfully cloned in 2008 by workers at the former Department of Primary Industries.
Research
In 2009, Primary Industries and Fisheries (now Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) together with the University of Queensland were granted federal funding to study how methane emissions from cattle and sheep could be reduced.
Publications
From 1897 to 1921 the department published the Queensland Agricultural Journal.