The strategy would boost the security and supply chain resilience of agriculture and food production systems in Australia.
National Farmers’ Federation president David Jochinke said a national food security strategy was a key issue for the NFF in the lead-up to the federal election.
He said the strategy was an important step in safeguarding our farm sector and food supply in an increasingly volatile world.
“Australia is lucky to have a strong and resilient food system, but we’re not bulletproof,” Mr Jochinke said.
“Farmers are facing workforce shortages, skyrocketing costs, supply chain pressures and increasing regulatory hurdles. Farmers rely heavily on imported fuel, fertiliser and chemicals to grow our crops, exposing us to global disruptions.
“As a nation, we can’t afford to take our food security for granted.
“This strategy needs to deliver a clear framework to understand where our supply chains are vulnerable, and work strategically to address those vulnerabilities.”
Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the government would commit $3.5 million to develop Feeding Australia, including establishing a National Food Council, comprising industry and community experts to advise on the development and implementation of the strategy.
The government would also strategically examine the potential to grow a biofuels feedstock industry to support Australia’s transition to net zero.
Mr Jochinke said the NFF was ready to work with the government and stakeholders across the supply chain to ensure the strategy delivered real outcomes.
Other groups to welcome the government’s commitment are GrainGrowers, Australian Conservation Foundation, Farmers for Climate Action and CropLife Australia.
Sounding a note of caution was a Curtin University supply chain expert, while Federal Nationals Leader David Littleproud said it was a cynical pledge that’s too little, too late.
Curtin University’s Elizabeth Jackson said while any initiative to support Australian food production was welcomed, the industry needed further support.
“The value of Australia’s food industry sits somewhere around $75 to 85 billion so it will be interesting to see the impact $3.5 million of funding can have,” Associate Professor Jackson said.
“Government needs to win back the trust of the nation’s agri-food supply chain, which feels under attack through a lack of support and measures such as banning live sheep export by sea and reviews of chemicals suitable for use in crop production.
“While any investment should be welcomed, funding should be allocated to where the industry feels it’s genuinely needed.”
Mr Littleproud said it had taken Labor until the dying days of its government to promise a National Food Council and a national food plan.
“These were key recommendations in the Agriculture Standing Committee’s ‘Feeding the Nation and Beyond’ report from November, 2023 — almost 18 months ago,” he said.
Mr Littleproud said while the Coalition supported an end-to-end supply chain food security plan, Labor’s announcement was piecemeal and neglected key factors that impacted food production and the supply chain.
Mr Jochinke said any plan about food security “must include farmers from the get-go”.
“We need to ensure that this isn’t just another report, but a meaningful blueprint that supports the future of food production in Australia.”
The NFF also welcomed the government committing to examining the potential to grow a biofuels feedstock industry — another ask in the NFF’s election platform to ensure a sustainable and consistent supply of raw materials.
“NFF members now call on all sides of politics to commit to a national food plan, one that protects farmers’ supply chains.”
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