The 52nd ABARES Outlook 2022 Conference kicks off today, bringing together producers, experts, industry representatives and government officials from Australia and overseas.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said while the conference was a chance for discussion of the challenges faced by the agricultural sector, it was also a chance to celebrate the industry's achievements.
"For the first time, the gross value of agricultural production, including fisheries and forestry, is forecast to be a record-breaking $86.8 billion," Minister Littleproud said.
"And the value of our exports is expected to be a record $64 billion for 2021-22. Finally, the seasons have been with us, and Australian primary producers have responded.
"ABARES are predicting that Australia's production will increase across most livestock and crop commodities. This year will be our largest total volume of agricultural commodities ever.
"That's an enormous effort in the face of some of the biggest challenges Australian agriculture has faced, from fire, mouse plagues, flood, drought and COVID-19. Despite all this, Australian farmers have simply got on with the job and continued to produce the best food and fibre in the world.
"Not only have Australian farmers shown extraordinary resilience in the face of real adversity, but they're also looking to the future towards that $100 billion industry goal they've set for themselves.
"We're backing that goal with over $5.5 billion since 2019-20 in direct support for Ag2030 measures across the seven themes of the Delivering Ag2030 plan.
"Australia's agricultural industry is one that we should all be proud of. For the all the hard work that our farmers do, on behalf of a grateful nation, can I simply say thank you."
Fast Facts:
- The agricultural industry is forecast to be worth a record $86.8 billion in 2021-22 comprised of $81.0 billion farm, $3.6 billion fishery, and $2.2 billion forestry production.
- Speakers at Outlook 2022 include Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Mathias Cormann; Minister for Resources and Water, Keith Pitt; Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Dan Tehan; Special Representative for Australian Agriculture, Su McCluskey and Fortescue Future Industries CEO Julie Shuttleworth.
- Flagship forecasting publications will be released during conference week including the March 2022 quarter Agricultural Commodities and Australian Crop reports.
