TFGA says National Food Plan a welcome investment in farming future

The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) today welcomed the federal government’s announcement of the National Food Plan.

“We are pleased to see that the government has recognised both the challenges and opportunities the Australian agricultural industry faces,” said Jan Davis, TFGA CEO.

“The Food Plan, at its highest level, is designed to help Australian food businesses overcome their diverse challenges, and benefit from emerging markets in Asia. It’s an ambitious goal, and to ensure it remains relevant – and beneficial – to farmers at the forefront of producing our food, farmers set a series of direct challenges to the government: things we wanted to see included in the Food Plan,” Ms Davis said.

“We are pleased to see that the government has listened.

“NFF identified collaboration between the agricultural sector and the Government on the creation of brands to promote Australian production as a key priority. The Minister has announced $2 million as part of the Food Plan to develop a brand identity for Australian food and related technology.

“NFF pointed out that work needed to be done beyond the farm gate to improve opportunities for farmers to sell their produce, including a greater investment in understanding international markets. The announcement includes $28.5 million for research to tackle roadblocks to export, including a study into food needs and preferences.

“NFF highlighted the importance of investment into technical capacity – to assist in building strong relationships with our key markets, so that these market opportunities are then translated into sales of produce. The Food Plan announcement includes $5.6 million to build relationships with trading partners, including expanding the network of specialists that support agricultural trade in Asia.

“NFF stressed the need for competitiveness and benchmarking tools to drive an increase in productivity across the supply chain, including a review of current legislation with the aim of reducing the amount of red tape. The government has said it will invest in a Productivity Commission review to identify priority areas of reform of food supply regulations, from paddock to plate.

“NFF said the Government has a role to play in working with the agricultural sector to improve consumer understanding and perception of agriculture. The inclusion of $1.5 million to develop resources and provide professional development to support teaching about food and agriculture through the Australian curriculum is a starting point for what must be a greater long-term investment from government and industry.

“The only major disappointment is the failure of the Plan to address the immediate threat posed by the increasing tide of food imports flooding into Australia. Because these products are not subject to the same high regulatory standards as apply to our locally grown food, they are much less expensive. Australian consumers need to understand this trade-off and value the home grown options.

“Overall, however, this is a great outcome for Australian farmers, agriculture and the community in general, and we look forward to working with both current and future governments on the implementation of the Food Plan,” Ms Davis said.
TFGA chief executive Jan Davis