Growing exports
The Australian Government said that growth in Australia’s food industry is likely to come largely from increased exports, given the small domestic market. The Government said it plans to market both Australian produce and expertise as a “brand identity”.
The National Food Plan outlines the following investments to encourage the growth of export markets.
$28.5 million in the ‘Asian Food Markets Research Fund’ for research that addresses obstacles to export, in order to help businesses increase exports of food products and services to Asian markets. This will include a ‘What Asia Wants’ study to identify food needs and preferences in the region.
$5.6 million to build on relationships with trading partners in key and emerging markets by expanding the network of specialists that support agricultural trade in Asia, and having market liaison officers for key food sectors.
$2 million to develop a brand identity for Australian food and related technology.
Developing a thriving industry
The Australian Government said it wants the food industry to “seize the opportunities of the Asian century” and become a larger part of the national economy.
According to the Australian Government, investment is needed to ensure Australian food businesses have the skills and capital to adopt new technologies, adapt quickly to changing market and environmental conditions and capitalise on opportunities. The Government said it must also ensure that “markets are competitive and regulations benefit Australians without holding businesses back”.
In order to help Australian agricultural output increase by 30 per cent by 2050, the National Food Plan outlines the both continuing and planned investment.
Continuing investment includes “support for innovation along the food supply chain” through financial support for food-related research, investment in infrastructure and biosecurity that supports Australia’s food supply chain, and investment in Australia’s rural research and development system.
Future investments outlined by the National Food Plan include:
• $2.2 million for research and analysis of food industry trends to help business and Governments plan infrastructure to support a growing industry to 2025. This research will be funded through the Asian Food Markets Research Fund.
• The appointment of experienced business leader as the Food and Beverage Supplier Advocate to encourage business–to–business links between food suppliers and their customers
• The creation of a Productivity Commission review to identify priority areas for reform of food supply chain regulations looking from the paddock to the plate
• $1.5 million to develop resources and provide professional development to support teaching about food and agriculture though the Australian Curriculum.
People and health
The Australian Government says it plans to improve food security in Australia and that measures outlined in the National Food Plan will help maintain food supply during emergencies such as natural disasters. It also said that all Australians need an understanding of food production, distribution and preparation “because our food choices affect our health and our food system”.
The National Food Plan outlines initiatives to improve food labelling, including country of origin labelling, to promote healthy behaviours and address lifestyle-related diseases through initiatives such as the development of a National Nutrition Policy and further investment in the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden National Program.
The Plan also outlines financial investment in community grants to help support the establishment of initiatives like community gardens and farmers’ markets, and the development of a food and agriculture education program through the Australian Curriculum.
‘Sustainable’ food
The Australian Government said it is committed to supporting farmers to continue to adopt more sustainable and innovative farming practices to increase productivity, prepare for a changing climate, and protect Australia’s “environmental assets”.
The National Food Plan outlines initiatives in this area, including a scheme to reduce national food waste, various initiatives to encourage the development and adoption of more sustainable farming practices, and plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
