Comments attributable to NFF Chief Executive, Tony Mahar
The NFF welcomes the inaugural National Agricultural Traceability Strategy 2023 to 2033.
The strategy underscores the farm sector's ambitious goal to be a $100 billion industry by 2030.
Australian farmers are already global leaders in producing safe, quality and sustainable food and fibre. However, mounting global demand for proving sustainability credentials has become a non-negotiable for Australia to retain its competitive edge.
As an export-driven industry, sending more than 70% of what we produce to overseas markets, staying at the forefront of traceability standards is critical.
We see the AASF as the backbone for demonstrating Australian agriculture's commitment to sustainability.
This joint initiative between the NFF and the Federal Government unifies every sector and the supply chain, reporting on its environmental, economic and social credentials.
As the Strategy highlights, ESG (environmental, social, and governance) reporting demands continue to grow, so backing the AASF will further strengthen Australia's standing as a global leader in sustainable agriculture.
Furthermore, the Strategy points to four pressing challenges, with the first being alignment of frameworks and data standards to maximise traceability system innovation, security and interoperability. This is also important for the AASF.
We look forward to working with the Government to ensure the Strategy works in step with the AASF.
