Ag groups have welcomed the pledge from Labor that the government will develop a national food security strategy, Feeding Australia, to strengthen the country’s food system if re-elected.
The strategy aims to address supply chain vulnerabilities, support sustainable agriculture, and provide greater certainty for both farmers and consumers. The government has committed $3.5 million to its development, working with farmers and stakeholders. A National Food Council will be established to advise on its implementation.
“Australia has an impressive record in agriculture, feeding millions of people both here and abroad, but we can’t afford to be complacent,” Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins said.
“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.”
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) welcomed the commitment, calling it a key step toward safeguarding Australia’s food system.
“With the backing of members, we’ve long called for a national plan to safeguard Australia’s food system, and we welcome this commitment from the government,” NFF president David Jochinke said.
“Australia is lucky to have a strong and resilient food system, but we’re not bulletproof. Farmers are facing workforce shortages, skyrocketing costs, supply chain pressures, and increasing regulatory hurdles.”
GrainCorp CEO Robert Spurway said the company supports the government’s efforts to reinforce food security and emphasised the importance of strong supply chains and industry collaboration.
“Australia is fortunate to have a strong, reliable food supply supported by efficient supply chains and a highly skilled farming sector,” Mr Spurway said.
“Food security goes hand in hand with energy security, and a coordinated national approach will help future-proof Australia’s supply chains and ensure we remain a global leader in sustainable agricultural production.”
AUSVEG CEO Michael Coote said the strategy was a welcome step in securing Australia’s vegetable industry.
“Australian vegetable growers provide 98% of the fresh vegetables bought and consumed in Australia, which shows how critical our sector is to national food security,” Mr Coote said.
“Increasingly difficult business conditions have led one in three vegetable growers to consider leaving the industry in the next year. Addressing these challenges is key to ensuring a stable, sustainable food supply for all Australians.”
CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan also welcomed the announcement, but urged the government to go beyond studies and take real action on food security and sustainable fuel production.
“The government’s recognition of the need to examine a biofuels feedstock industry is a step in the right direction, but we need action, not just another study,” Mr Galligan said.
“Sugarcane is a proven, sustainable feedstock with the potential to power Australia’s biofuels industry—supporting emissions reduction, fuel security, and regional job creation.”
Food relief charity Foodbank Australia also welcomed the announcement, highlighting the urgent need for a coordinated approach to food security.
“Every Australian should have reliable access to healthy, culturally appropriate food, but this is not the case for more than 3 million households across the country,” Foodbank Australia CEO Brianna Casey said.
The Foodbank Hunger Report 2024 revealed that food insecurity is no longer just a low-income household problem.
“One in five median-income households is now experiencing food insecurity, with 10% severely food insecure, meaning they are skipping meals and even going entire days without eating to keep a roof over their heads.”
The need for a national strategy on food security was on the wish list of many agricultural and food relief organisations, and a central pillar of the NFF’s election requests.
“This is not a new idea. It’s been recommended time and again, and when I speak to people they can’t believe it doesn’t already exist. We can’t afford to continue ignoring it,” Mr Jochinke said.
This is NFF’s second policy win this electoral cycle, with Jochinke joining Communication Minister Michelle Rowland last week for the announcement of a commitment to make a significant shakeup of mobile service across the nation by extending the universal service guarantee to mobile service/
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