Govt promises to secure Australia's food future

The federal Labor government has announced it will develop a new national food security strategy if re-elected.

Dubbed ‘Feeding Australia’, the strategy will work on boosting the security and supply chain resilience of agriculture and food production systems in the nation, with a goal of minimising price volatility and costs at the checkout.

“Australia has an impressive record in agriculture, feeding millions of people both here and abroad, but we can’t afford to be complacent,” said Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins.

“The Albanese Labor government will protect and strengthen Australia’s food security for the benefit of our farmers and all Australians, as well as the trading partners that rely on our produce.”

While Australia produces enough food to feed more than twice its own population, it is exposed to global supply and demand pressures, climate change and other risks. The government said it has listened to calls from farmers and the community for it to work with industry to set out a vision for Australia’s food system.

As part of its $3.5 million commitment to develop Feeding Australia, the government will take a collaborative approach to give farmers and other stakeholders in the food supply chain the opportunity to address underlying challenges facing the country’s food system.

This will involve the establishment of a National Food Council, comprising industry and community experts, to advise on the development and implementation of the strategy.

The government will also strategically examine the potential to grow a biofuels feedstock industry to support Australia’s transition to net zero.

Feeding Australia aims to develop comprehensive plans to deal with future trends, trade with other nations, and manage the consequences of natural disasters and global shocks.

“When our food and supply chains are secure, it reduces financial strain on households, helping all Australians,” Collins said.

“I’m excited to see the final strategy and work towards a stronger and more robust and resilient food system.”

Image credit: iStock.com/pixdeluxe