SA Freight Council Inc is one of three finalists in the Rural Solutions SA Services to Industry category of the Premier’s Food Awards for 2008.

Finalists in the Rural Solutions SA Services to Industry Award are:

• SA Freight Council Inc
• Adelaide Showground Farmers Market
• Spencer Gulf and West coast Prawn Fishermen’s Association

Continuing to seek improved efficiency along the logistics chain the SA Freight Council (SAFC) helps to ensure SA’s valuable produce maintains its prime quality from “paddock to plate”.

Caption: Dean Buder, Convenor of the Cold Chain and Quality Working Group of SAFC and National Reefer Manager PAE/PIL

With more than 50 association members it represents all branches of the transport, export and logistics industries.

A major focus of its work is how to manage the forecast doubling of SA’s freight volume by 2020.

Since 1997 the council has convened an industry Cold Chain and Quality Working Group which has developed a variety of industry resources (wallcharts, pocket guides, checklists and DVD’s and the Perishable Handling for Export Guide) designed  to assist the logistics industry to lift its performance quality.

It also assists industry in general to liaise with their logistics service providers.

SAFC is a not-for-profit industry association incorporated under the South Australian Associations Incorporation Act 1985, which was formed in late 2002 with the merger of the South Australian Freight Council for Sea Cargo and the South Australian Air Freight Export Council, and later joined by the South Australian Land Freight Transport Council.

The combined SAFC offers truly multi modal industry representation, and works on projects that enhance the effectiveness and competitiveness of all sectors along the full logistics chain.

Since 1997 the council has convened an industry Cold Chain and Quality Working Group which has developed a variety of industry resources (wallcharts, pocket guides, checklists and DVD’s and the Perishable Handling for Export Guide) designed  to assist the logistics industry to lift its performance quality.

 It also assists industry in general to liaise with their logistics service providers. As SAFC is a not for profit organisation, these material are available at cost to industry.

The council also undertakes its own research program, in partnership with a variety of industry and government players (but generally SARDI) in an effort to improve knowledge relating to new products and materials entering the market.

In recent years, the SAFC Work Program for Cold Chain and Quality Working Group has included the Lobsters and Dry Ice Case Study – aimed at determining the tolerance of lobsters to CO2 gases (given off when dry ice is used to keep other products cool).

Over the coming year, SAFC will continue its Temperature Monitoring Program and will again team with SARDI to develop a Southern Hemisphere Ice Calculator with a view to developing a web based resource.

An annual highlight for the food industry in South Australia this year’s finalists in all categories from the city, Adelaide Hills, Limestone Coast, Eyre Peninsula and Riverland have been recognised for outstanding achievement and excellence in categories ranging from new products to innovation, export, workforce and environmental sustainability.

The 11th Awards will culminate with a green themed gala dinner and presentation hosted by Premier Mike Rann on Friday, 14 November 14 at the new Goyder Pavilion at Adelaide Showground.

Rural Solutions SA General Manager, Business Development and Marketing Michy Kris said the food industry was about growth and Rural Solutions SA wanted to ensure South Australia retained its strong leadership in achieving the State Food objectives.

Further information contact Michy Kris. or 1300 364 322

Date of release 21 October 2008