The establishment of the National Food Council has been welcomed by the National Farmers’ Federation
The federal government has taken an important step in the development of the National Food Security Strategy – Feeding Australia – with the appointment of the National Food Council.
The Council will play an advisory role to the minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry on the development of the strategy, which aims to boost the productivity, resilience and security of the country’s food system.
Council members bring diverse experiences from across Australia’s food system including primary producers, processors and distributors to academics and innovators.
Feeding Australia will be developed with all Australians having the opportunity to contribute, including farmers and producers.
National Farmers’ Federation interim chief executive Su McCluskey is one of 11 representatives on the newly formed National Food Council.
The beef producer has been appointed in her capacity as chair of the Crawford Fund for Food Security, an organisation seeking to increase Australia’s engagement in international agricultural research and development in food and nutrition security.
Tracy Sullivan, a director with NFF member the Australian Veterinary Association, was also appointed to the Council.
NFF president Hamish McIntyre says putting Australia’s supply chain under the microscope was long overdue.
“Farmers depend heavily on imported inputs for their crops and livestock,” he says.
“When access is impaired, it directly impacts farmers’ ability to produce food and fibre.
“Events like extreme weather, geopolitical tensions and global disruptions, like the Covid pandemic, can all cause the food system to buckle. We must also look at all the potential cracks in the system, including domestic pressure on land, water and infrastructure.
“A strong and resilient food system relates directly to farmers’ bottom lines and keeping food affordable for Australian households.”
The first council meeting will be held before the end of the year.