This week the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP, will travel to London, Brussels and Berlin to meet with critical trading partners to discuss a range of agricultural trade issues.
Minister Collins will meet with counterparts from the United Kingdom and the European Union to advocate for Australia's agricultural exports, including UK beef market access conditions, and EU policies affecting our key exports.
The Minister will also attend the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture in Berlin which is the largest meeting of agriculture ministers globally. This event hosts world agriculture ministers, experts, and interest groups to develop solutions for global agricultural production and food security challenges.
The forum's focus for 2025 is 'Farming a Sustainable Bioeconomy'.
The Minister will promote Australia's premium agricultural produce and our farmers' commitment to innovation and sustainable production practices.
Australia's agricultural trade to the UK was worth $711 million in 2023-24, up $88 million on the previous year after our free trade agreement entered into force.
This visit will also provide the opportunity to engage with other trading partners in Berlin on important issues, including food security across the Asia Pacific region.
The Albanese Labor Government has worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for our farmers and producers to export our world-class products on the international stage.
In 2023-24, we recorded 88 market access achievements which opened, improved, maintained, or restored access for Australian businesses, including unlocking 10 new markets.
Australia now exports over 70 per cent of our agricultural, fisheries and forestry production to 169 markets globally - the most diversified trade has ever been, thanks to the Albanese Labor Government.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
"The Albanese Labor Government is focused on opening up new trade opportunities that will continue to support the growth of our agricultural sector.
"I look forward to meeting with my colleagues in the UK and EU, with whom we enjoy a close and mutually-productive relationship, and building on the outstanding reputation that Australian producers have globally.
"This trip will also allow us to engage on issues including food security, sustainable agriculture, and food loss and waste."
