The National Farmers' Federation welcomes the Federal Government's decision to commission a National Food Supply Chain Assessment as part of the National Food Security Strategy, but has reiterated its calls for an immediate plan of action for the sector.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, has set a one-month deadline for an interim report and the end of the year for the final report. While the assessment will initially focus on diesel supply chains, it will expand to other critical agricultural inputs, including crop protection products and fertilisers.
"This work is critical and, frankly, it can't come soon enough given the pressures we're seeing across the system. Andrew Henderson is a respected industry expert on these issues and we will work with him as he undertakes his review on behalf of AgriFutures," NFF President Hamish McIntyre said.
"However, farmers cannot wait for this report alone. We are continuing to ask for a clear, actionable ag-specific plan from Government to address the issues faced by farmers now and into the coming months ahead.
"This plan needs to clearly outline specific government actions, regulatory responses and associated trigger points to provide confidence to the nation's food producers.
"Fuel and fertiliser are fundamental to producing and moving Australia's food and fibre. Without reliable and affordable access, farmers simply can't plant, harvest or get food to markets.
"We're continuing to hear reports from our members about tight supply, delays and rising costs, and we are feeding that information directly to Government to ensure real-time decision-making reflects what's happening on the ground.
"That's why we need immediate, practical action so farmers have the inputs and confidence to plant over the coming weeks and months.
"We have appreciated the open and clear way in which the Government, led by Ministers Bowen and Collins have engaged with the NFF over the past fortnight and we look forward to continuing this on behalf of the sector.
"At the end of the day, this is about maintaining production and keeping food moving."
