The federal budget has revealed some new funding for agriculture, but a key industry body says more needs to be done
Agriculture must ensure its needs are met in the leadup to this year’s federal election, the National Farmers Federation says, with too few new commitments made in this week’s federal budget.
The biggest individual piece of funding was $23.8 million committed over three years to sponsor agricultural trade events.
Another key announcement was $3.5 million over two years to develop a National Food Security Strategy.
The budget also included $20 million for a Buy Australian campaign, $6.8 million for “international engagement in multilateral forums and technical market access services” and $2.9 million to help fresh produce suppliers better negotiate with supermarkets.
A further $11 million will be spent continuing efforts to reduce both the economic and environmental burden of established feral animals, pests and weeds.
NFF president David Jochinke says the new initiatives are welcomed, but much more needs to be done to support the agricultural sector – particularly with the federal election looming.
“While we acknowledge some new funding targeting the sector – especially the $3.5 million for a National Food Security Strategy, a key election ask – the budget falls well short of the investment needed to unlock agriculture’s full potential,” he says.
“Farmers are grappling with major geopolitical, environmental and societal shifts. We need a sharper focus from Government to ensure we keep farmers farming, and keep food affordable for Aussie families.
“We need significant funding to eradicate pests and weeds. We welcome the focus on pest management in the budget, but it’s only a drop in the ocean of what farmers and the environment needs.
“As we shift into election gear, the NFF is strapped in and focused on the road ahead. We will make sure agriculture’s needs don’t fall off the back and into a pothole.”
The food security strategy had been a pre-budget commitment from the government, which says it will “position Australia as a regional food superpower”.
It aims to deliver improved agricultural productivity and supply chain resilience, which in turn “will provide insights into food price volatility, improve food security, and provide cost-of-living relief for Australian households”.
When the strategy was announced earlier this month, Jochinke said it was an important step and one which NFF was keen to actively work with government on.
“Australia is lucky to have a strong and resilient food system, but we’re not bulletproof. Farmers are facing workforce shortages, skyrocketing costs, supply chain pressures, and increasing regulatory hurdles,” Jochinke says.
“Farmers rely heavily on imported fuel, fertiliser and chemicals to grow our crops, exposing us to global disruptions. As a nation, we can’t afford to take our food security for granted.
“This strategy needs to deliver a clear framework to understand where our supply chains are vulnerable, and work strategically to address those vulnerabilities.”
Agriculture minister Julie Collins says the strategy will benefit “our farmers and all Australians, as well as the trading partners that rely on our produce.”
“When our food and supply chains are secure, it reduces financial strain on households, helping all Australians,” she says.
“I’m excited to see the final strategy and work towards a stronger and more robust and resilient food system.”
The increased investment in agricultural trade events also includes a doubling of Beef Australia’s funding to $12 million.
According to budget papers, the government’s support and presence at regional trade events “secures a vibrant and diverse trade event calendar for Australia’s agricultural producers” and helps promote innovation and investment in the sector.