A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will help secure Australia's food future with the development of a new national food security strategy: Feeding Australia.
The strategy will boost the security and supply chain resilience of agriculture and food production systems in Australia.
Feeding Australia will be a strategy for all Australians. Through the strategy, we will identify opportunities to improve supply chain resilience, with the goal of minimising price volatility and costs at the checkout.
Feeding Australia will build on the work the Albanese Labor Government has already undertaken to improve food security and the Australian food system.
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 has listened to farmers and the community who have called for government to work with industry to set out a vision for Australia's food system.
The Government will commit $3.5 million to develop Feeding Australia with a collaborative approach to give farmers and other stakeholders in the food supply chain the opportunity to address underlying challenges facing our food system.
The Government will establish 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.
Greater food supply, stronger food security and sustainable agriculture will mean better outcomes for our farmers and greater certainty for consumers.
Feeding Australia's comprehensive plans to deal with future trends, trade with other nations, and the consequences of natural disasters and global shocks mean Australia's farmers will face the future with confidence.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
"Australia has an impressive record in agriculture, feeding millions of people both here and abroad, but we can't afford to be complacent.
"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.
"When our food and supply chains are secure, it reduces financial strain on households, helping all Australians.
"I'm excited to see the final strategy and work towards a stronger and more robust and resilient food system."