The Australian Government has released its National Food Plan, which it says will provide “a roadmap for the future” for governments, businesses and individuals to work together. But the plan has been met with mixed reactions by industry and health organisations.
Launched on Saturday 25 May 2013 by Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig at Rocklea Markets in Brisbane, the plan outlines a number of new initiatives. The Government said “these measures aim to increase Australian children’s connection with food, build our food trade ties with Asia, build recognition of the Australian brand in international markets and boost investment in research and development for Australian agriculture”.
“Australia’s food is the envy of the world, as we produce more than twice the food we consume, we need to remain focused on finding new markets for our high quality exports,” Senator Ludwig said.
“Our food supply chain has a strong foundation, with high levels of food security and hard working producers. Like other around the world, there are challenges including climate changes, population growth, diet-related health issues, and competition for resources. There are also enormous opportunities, including the rise of Asia,” he said.
Plan welcomed by farmers, country of origin campaign
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the National Food Plan, saying it responds to many of the challenges set for the Government by the NFF.
“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,” said Duncan Fraser, NFF President.
“It’s an ambitious goal, and to ensure it remains relevant – and beneficial – to farmers at the forefront of producing our food, the NFF set a series of direct challenges to Government: things we wanted to see included in the Food Plan. We are pleased to see that the Government has listened,” Mr Fraser said.
The Plan has also been welcomed by country of origin campaign, the ‘Australian Made Campaign’.
“We welcome the National Food Plan’s focus on exporting into Asia, and in particular the importance of branding Australian products in those marketplaces,” said Ian Harrison, Australian Made Campaign Chief Executive.
“It is very pleasing to see Ministers Ludwig and Emerson recognise the important role that the Australian made, Australian Grown logo can play in building the Australian brand in Asia,” Mr Harrision said.
Plan criticised by Federal Opposition and health organisations
But the Federal Opposition has responded to the National Food Plan by saying it is too little, too late.
“After a six-year anti-farm agenda, Labor has belatedly acknowledged agriculture’s role in food production,” said John Cobb, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food Security. “But the glaring omission in this Food Plan is the key driver for food security, sustainability and the future of agriculture: profit,” he said.
Mr Cobb said both the Carbon Tax and the ban of live exports to Indonesia in 2011 “undermined the profitability of the farm sector”.
The Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) has also criticised the National Food Plan, saying it “fails Australian communities” by favouring industry.
“This National Food Plan could have been visionary,” said Michael Moore, PHAA CEO. “We also know that Australia will be facing real challenges from climate change, limited water and other resources in our agricultural sectors. We know that over 1 million Australians are food insecure and this is associated with poorer quality of life. A national food plan and the investments should have tackled these critical issues full on,” he said.
Plan at a glance
The National Food Plan is underpinned by four key themes: growing exports, a thriving industry, people, and sustainability.
