The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) has welcomed a new report that places farmers at the centre of a re-invented food system.
The Australian Food and Agriculture Taskforce has today handed down a report that warns the nation's food system is at a tipping point.
NFF Chief Executive Officer Tony Mahar, who participated in the Taskforce, reiterated the report's findings that farmers must be supported in order to shore up Australia's agricultural potential.
"This report shows Australian agriculture is at risk of losing its competitive edge unless a number of changes are made," Mr Mahar said.
"Issues like increased frequency and severity of climate events, trade tensions, shifting geopolitical environments, and global markets evolving at different speeds, are all threatening Australia's food system.
"The Taskforce has recommended a number of actions to grow agriculture's potential, following the expert lead of Australia's farmers.
"It's great to see a well-researched report back-up what we already know about Australian ag: It has huge potential, and with the right support, can be a $100 billion industry by 2030."
Taskforce Chair Mark van Dyck said 44% of farmers believed Australia was losing its competitive edge on the global stage.
"When it comes to implementing climate-smart practices, our farmers are world leaders, but they need more support to go further and really bolster the climate resilience of their farms," Mr van Dyck said.
The Land of plenty: Transforming Australia into a food superpower report listed three areas that are key to unlocking agriculture's potential:
- Climate-smart farming - transition financing, tax incentives, standardised measurement/reporting framework and central data exchange.
- Sovereign supply chains - national food system strategy, scaling manufacturing and regional precincts.
- Global markets and competitive positioning - diversifying exports into IP and agtech, communication tools to strengthen global positioning.
Mr Mahar said it was crucial that all entities along the food supply chain worked together to achieve these goals.
"Global markets are evolving at a rapid pace, and Australia needs to take action so we are not left behind," Mr Mahar said.
"Our farmers are leading the charge, embracing climate-smart farming techniques and welcoming new practices to drive down emissions.
"This report shows if an extra 20% of farmers adopt climate-smart practices, they will reap the reward with a 22% increase in their bottom line and tap into new income streams from carbon markets.
"It's a no brainer to back this opportunity. We stand ready to play our part. This is a win for farmers, the environment, the economy, and importantly, for future food security and affordability."
The report can be viewed here.
