Australian Rice - 28 Jul 2008

podcast available

Scene setting by Mike Bourke

Post-Argument thoughts by Mike Bourke

Argument in progress

Panel
Dr John Angus, Dr Eric Craswell and Dr Barney Foran

Moderator
Dr Mike Bourke
Coleambally irrigation area Satellite image of the Coleambally Irrigation Area in summer 1999-2000.
The red fields are actively growing crops, mostly rice. The grey fields
are stubbles, fallows and dried-off pastures. (Photo taken by John Angus)

Is growing rice in Australia a waste of precious water resources or are issues of export profits, jobs and responses to reduced water supply sufficiently important to ensure its continuation? The global perspective highlights the incongruence of growing rice under conditions of scarce water supply. Should Australia abandon rice production leaving it to countries with adequate water for irrigation, such as Thailand and Vietnam? What is the scope for the ‘rice and water’ debate to be set within our consumption lifestyle frame and should our policy response be based on analysis of ‘full life cycle’ impacts?
Come join the debate.

Read - and comment on - the summary argument statements by:
John Angus
Eric Craswell
Barney Foran

Panel Biographical Information