The Australian Egg Corporation Ltd (AECL) has expressed concern over allegations that an Australian egg farmer was selling cage eggs as free-range eggs, saying that it will only provide support to ethical, law-abiding egg producers. [ + ]

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, has welcomed a report on the progress of reforms to Australia’s biosecurity system. [ + ]

Chris Evans: Investment in Australian science and research key to strong economy [ + ]

Australian mushroom growers have been encouraged to accelerate the national release of vitamin D mushrooms following research that suggests pregnant women lacking vitamin D are twice as likely to have children with language difficulties. [ + ]

In the less than three months since launching AUSPACK PLUS 2013, 30% of the floor space for the exhibition has been sold. [ + ]

Mike Cunningham has been appointed to the position of Business Development Manager at Ingredient Resources. He commenced the role in early February 2012. [ + ]

Jamie Oliver has joined forces with the Victorian Government to launch Jamie’s Ministry of Food as part of the Victorian Government’s efforts to tackle diet-related disease. [ + ]

Delegates at Outlook 2012 heard how Australia’s enviable biosecurity system is enabling access to new markets and increasing agricultural trade opportunities. [ + ]

AUSVEG, the peak industry body for vegetable and potato growers, will be holding a potato industry seminar in Tasmania for growers, processors and other interested industry parties. [ + ]

Packaging giant Amcor has announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire the Aperio Group for $238 million, subject to regulatory and other conditions, including ACCC approval. [ + ]

A recent survey conducted by Canstar Blue and Colmar Brunton has shown that despite the supermarket price wars, consumers generally prefer premium brands to generic alternatives when it comes to snack foods, regardless of the price. [ + ]

Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) experienced unprecedented growth in 2011, according to a statement issued by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). [ + ]

McCormick’s Flavour Forecast 2012 has predicted some interesting emerging culinary trends for the coming years. [ + ]

After 25 years in Blackburn, Rockwell Automation has moved its South Pacific headquarters to Bayswater. [ + ]

A Primary Industries Education Foundation (PIEF) survey has revealed an alarming decline in students’ and teachers’ knowledge of food and fibre production. 75% of year 6 students surveyed thought of cotton socks as an animal product, while 27% of year 6 students thought of yoghurt as a plant product. [ + ]