Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP
Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm
On National Agriculture Day, the Albanese Labor Government acknowledges and celebrates the incredible success of Australia's world-class farmers and producers as the industry heads towards a record-breaking year.
Australia's agriculture, fisheries and forestry production is forecast to reach a record value of more than $100 billion this financial year.
This milestone is a credit to the hard work, resilience and skill of farmers, backed by strong collaboration with the Albanese Labor Government.
The Government has proudly partnered with industry to create new economic opportunities for farmers by expanding export markets, strengthening biosecurity, boosting productivity and providing support for farmers facing hardship.
Since coming to office, the Government has recorded 248 market access achievements, including 32 new markets and 118 improvements to existing markets, supporting Australian farmers to export more world class produce to the world.
In just the last three months these achievements have included securing access for Australian blueberries to Vietnam, improving market access for apples to Canada, and signing a Mutual Recognition Arrangement for organic produce with India.
The Government is not taking this success for granted which is why we are developing a National Food Security Strategy, Feeding Australia.
This strategy aims to provide a long-term, whole-of-system plan to boost the productivity, resilience and security of our national food system.
Today we have announced members of the National Food Council, which will advise government on the development of the strategy.
While many of our farmers and producers are succeeding, we will continue to back farmers who are facing hardship including those who have recently been impacted by drought.
The Government has a range of national programs for farmers to access, including Farm Management Deposits, accessing the Rural Financial Counselling Service for support, seeking a concessional loan via the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC), and when people have taken a significant financial hit, accessing the Farm Household Allowance.
Earlier this year, our Government announced an additional $1 billion in new loan funding through RIC.
This funding will ensure RIC can continue to support long term viable farm businesses experiencing hardship.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
"I am proud to be part of a government that will always back our farmers which is what National Agriculture Day is all about.
"Enabling farmers to access new markets, planning for a food-secure future, and making sure farmers have the right support when they need it mean our farmers can keep farming."
"We will keep delivering for our farmers, who deliver so much for Australia.
"It's shaping up to be a record-breaking year for agriculture, fisheries and forestry production which is a real testament to the ingenuity of our farmers."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:
"Australia's food system is world-class, and we maintain a global reputation as a producer of safe, nutritious and high-quality food.
"It's thanks to farmers and primary producers right across our great country who work tirelessly to provide us with food and fibre every day.
"This Government backs our farmers, and through our National Food Security Strategy, we're developing a roadmap that safeguards our agriculture and gets better outcomes for our farmers, consumers and our regional communities."
