Australian farmers provide better value for taxpayers than their counterparts anywhere else in the world, according to the latest figures compiled by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
“This data puts paid to the myth that farmers ride on the taxpayers’ back,” Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Jan Davis said today.
When assistance to agriculture is measured against each country’s gross domestic product, Australia comes out lowest in the world, at 0.16 per cent.
When measured against total farm income, assistance to Australia farmers is second lowest to that provided in New Zealand, at three per cent.
Ms Davis said that the OECD’s figures for 2012, just released, again dispel any remaining myths that Australian farmers are a pack of whingers with their hands out constantly for subsidies and other assistance.
“This is a global industry in which widespread subsidies distort the market,” she said, “yet few Australians realise that the
comparative level of tax support here is so low, the lowest of any nation.
“Australian farm businesses produce the world’s finest quality food and fibre while paying some of the highest wage rates in the world; and they are responsible for 15 per cent of national export income.
“Australians need to recognise these amazing achievements and value their farmers more.”
TFGA chief executive Jan Davis
