Well, there's no point in me mentioning my unexceptional exam results, so instead I will tell you about the exceptional conference that presented a great mix of interesting speakers and stimulating topics. The conference was opened by Nick Burgess (no relation), who welcomed us all and acknowledged Andrew Pengelly as the driving force behind the conference.

TRAFFIC is the largest wildlife trade monitoring program and is a global expert on wildlife trade issues. It was formed in 1976, and it 'has played a key role in identifying wild plants and animals threatened by trade, and assisted with the development of effective solutions to the problems this poses'. TRAFFIC has formed a network with the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) and the IUCN (The World Conservation Union) and has representatives in 18 countries around the world.

One of the major steps forward that has arisen in the area of trade over the last few years is the establishment of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna: more commonly known as CITES (pronounced site-eez .). This convention covers 34,000 plants and animals and currently has 136 member countries.

Chris spoke on issues related to trade in medicinal plants, and some of the problems associated with increasing demand and the difficulties of sustainability. He believes that there is no foreseeable peak in the demand for medicinal herbal plants: demand will simply continue to rise. Accordingly, there will be no reduction in conservation demands made by his organisation.

It was of some interest that China and India are the largest exporters of herbs and Hong Kong and Japan the greatest importers. Another interesting fact was that in the USA, Golden Seal was mostly obtained from the wild for both domestic and export use. Chris cited between 66-75% as being sourced through wildcrafting.

The next speaker was Mick Trimmer from Environment Australia. Mick mainly spoke about the regulations that govern the import and export of wildlife and wildlife products. His group work closely with CITES.

I found it interesting to discover the procedures that commercial plant nurseries have to follow in order to import and export plants and plant materials. It was apparent that this was also of some interest to a large number of fellow attendees who were from the herb growing industry.

Jude’s main focus was on ethics. I found Jude to be a very interesting and enthusiastic speaker. The three main points raised on "ethics in seed saving" were:

• Recognition of past custodians and breeders;
• Maintaining plant diversity and renewing it;
• Taking responsibility of parietal lines.

Jude's love for conservation and preservation of our seed heritage was strongly conveyed and many issues of relevance were raised including:

• The proliferation of genetically engineered foods with poor labelling standards, meaning 'we don't know what we're eating'; and
• The reduction of diversity of food plants, which removes the safety net to future generation of traditional food crop varieties.

I found Jude’s enthusiasm infectious.

For people attending this conference interested the growing of herbs, this topic was very relevant. Peter raised issues relating to plants that were endangered and were consequently in high demand.

Some of the interesting points Peter made relating to medicinal herbs:

• Up to 12.5% or 34,000 of the world's plants are in danger of extinction.

• Commercially available wild-crafted herbs were mostly sourced from the USA, where the original provider is generally unknown.

• Herbs at risk in Europe include: Arctostaphylos, Arnica, Drosera rotundifolia, Gentiana lutea, Menyanthes triofoliata, paeonia.

• Herbs at risk in the USA include: Aletris farinosa, Euphrasia, Drosera rotundifolia, Caulophyllum, Hydrastis, Oregon grape, Cimicifuga, Sanguinaria canadensis, Piper methysticum, Dioscorea villosa.

• In 1995 the volume of herbs imported to Australia was 55 ton representing 17% of medicinal herbs sold in this country

• In 1998 the volume of herbs imported to Australian was 136 ton representing 39% of medicinal herbs sold in this country

One thing to say about Robert is that he is a "character". His light hearted, but somewhat 'not so positive' attitude about the cultivation side of herbal production provided a bit of light relief. Well, when I say 'not so positive', I should say he seems to be in touch with the trends of the industry. His experience within the herbal sphere validates his opinion, so it was time for me to sit up and listen. His attitude wasn't all gloom and doom, but more: 'be realistic, it's a tough industry!'

I found Bob's talk refreshingly direct and honest, but I'm sure not all in attendance were ready for his candour!

Michelle McLaughlan spoke to us about the TGA. Michelle examined issues associated with the implementation of the Therapeutic Goods Act.

Carol spoke on the preservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage, the environment, and species. I found this part of the proceedings extremely interesting, especially from a student’s point of view. These issues simply aren't raised or openly discussed throughout our education. Consequently, we get caught up in our own narrow perspectives, and forget to contemplate such issues.

Carol discussed intellectual property ownership regarding bush foods and bush medicines. She also discussed how information was not being passed onto future generations because of:

• Dispossession of traditional lands and consequent disconnection with the land, flora, and fauna; and

• Elders withholding information due to exploitation of their intellectual property in the past;

I look forward to such ethical issues being discussed in colleges and web sites in the future.

Andrew examined his topic in a systematic and comprehensive manner. Even though wildcrafting doesn't play a major role within the Australian Herbal Industry, there are still issues that need to be addressed. Andrew examined various aspects, but it was his guidelines and protocols for sustainable harvesting that interested me greatly.

Liz presented an interesting discussion that was directed mainly at the herb growers within the room.

A political issue raised by Liz was that AQIS (Australian Quarantine Inspection Service) had recently increased it's service fee to inspect the maintenance of Organic standards of registered growers, from $30,000 to $147,000 pa.

Liz mainly spoke on the increased demands created by consumer demand. She also touched on the risks and benefits of organic certification.

The second day of the conference consisted of more interesting speakers. The day culminated in a workshop to revise and expand on all issues examined. An action plan and future goals were set for the industry represented by those present.

The conference was a great success and I enjoyed it immensely. I believe my contribution could have been greater if I was already practicing and had some 'real' experience. However, such a conference for a student plays a vital role in developing an understanding of greater issues that are not regularly discussed in a college or institutional environment. I look forward to the next successful NHAA Conference. Thanks to Andrew Pengelly for making the conference possible!