A landmark report released today reveals strong consumer demand for authentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander agricultural products, with buyers willing to pay a premium for goods that carry cultural integrity and verified provenance.
The Indigenous Agriculture Product Framework project was commissioned by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, through a $1.93 million grant, and delivered in partnership with the National Farmers' Federation (NFF) and the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC).
Market research undertaken as part of the project found 30 percent of Australian consumers would pay a premium for Indigenous products, while more than half of consumers, if presented with otherwise comparable products, would preference an Indigenous product.
Chair of the NFF Advisory Committee for the project Natalie Sommerville said the Final Report made important recommendations on how Indigenous producers and communities can benefit from strong demand for their goods both at home and abroad.
"We have estimated the total contribution of Indigenous agriculture to the national economy at $1.4 billion annually, supporting around 1,900 jobs. But there is still money being left on the table," said Ms Sommerville.
"The Final Report makes detailed recommendations for the establishment of a verifiable, culturally grounded credential, supported by a vast majority of Indigenous producers consulted through the project, that would allow them to more clearly, and with greater consumer confidence, differentiate their goods in domestic and valuable overseas markets.
"Importantly, the project found support for Indigenous products to include all agricultural products and not limited to bush foods or native species."
ILSC Group Chief Executive Officer, Joe Morrison, member of the project Steering Committee, said this project was an important first step in understanding how to boost productivity in both Australia and in international exports, from Indigenous producers directly.
"This project is an important first step in creating long-term prosperity for Indigenous producers and driving economic self-determination on Country - both key drivers for the ILSC," said Mr Morrison.
"Indigenous producers play a vital role in the agricultural industry - with businesses centred on Caring for Country and building communities."
Mr Morrison also noted the project's significance in providing insights into the ongoing need for foundational supports, to ensure the industry's ongoing viability.
"This report has highlighted future opportunities for Indigenous producers in providing a unique credential to the marketing of their products. It has also confirmed the need to continue to invest in skills, business development and infrastructure. The recommendations provide a practical pathway to make this a reality."
NFF President Hamish McIntyre said the project had provided a platform for Indigenous producers around the country to not just engage with a potential credential, but for an exchange on the challenges and opportunities they face more broadly.
"We have been guided throughout this project by Indigenous producers, engaged in mainstream commodities and the emerging bushfood sector, who have generously shared not just their insights but hopes and ambitions, not just for themselves, or even Indigenous agriculture, but for the sector as a whole," said Mr McIntyre.
"The NFF looks forward to continue walking with Indigenous producers with the aim, together with government and other stakeholders, to make real the economic self-determination opportunities for Indigenous people through agriculture that this project has demonstrated."
Chairman of the Kimberley Agriculture and Pastoral Company (KAPCO), Wayne Bergmann, said the creation of a credential that strengthens the provenance claims of Indigenous agricultural products is an exciting step forward.
"A well-designed framework can build consumer confidence in the domestic market and open new doors in international markets," he said.
"Importantly, a strong credentialing framework also has the potential to amplify the social impact of purchasing from Indigenous businesses-supporting enterprises that employ Aboriginal people, care for Country, and reinvest benefits back into their communities.
"KAPCO would welcome an ongoing discussion around the further development and implementation to ensure the outcomes deliver real value for businesses without adding unnecessary financial or administrative pressure. It's vital that any future system supports existing products and empowers new and emerging Indigenous producers to thrive."
Executive Officer of the Australian Wild Game Industry Council Neal Finch said a credential allowing Indigenous businesses to make verifiable claims about their culturally informed production practices could be beneficial in maintaining and further opening market access overseas.
"Indigenous people make a significant contribution at all levels of the wild game industry, as business owners and workers," said Mr Finch.
"We've unfortunately seen a strong activist lobby in key markets misrepresent our industry. We see a future credential being an important step in assuring overseas customers our Indigenous products are sustainable and ethical."
All project outputs, including the Final Report and Export Opportunity and Maturity Assessment, can be found on the project landing page.
