The Australian agricultural sector is expected to exceed production value records this year, with our farmers propelling the sector to $73 billion, despite the challenges of COVID-19.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the ABARES’s Agricultural Commodities: September Quarter report shows that farming has grown by 1.3 per cent in the last quarter.
“That may not sound like much, but we are dealing in unprecedented economic times, and plenty of industries in Australia haven’t been lucky enough to see that kind of growth,” Minister Littleproud said.
“This is a year to be proud of. It shows just how strong the agriculture sector is, despite the uncertainty of a global pandemic.”
“We’re looking at our second good year in a row, with a bumper crop harvest, international demand for our produce and a strong market for livestock.”
Nationals Senate Leader and Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said two good years in a row had lifted optimism in regional Australia.
“We’ve got all our ducks in a row for a record year. Not only are we looking at a bumper harvest for winter crop, but there are also higher prices and greater demand for cotton, sugar and grains,” Senator McKenzie said.
“All of our farmers are doing an outstanding job, including our local producers here in regional Victoria. Because of their hard work, we are on track for agriculture to meet the goal of $100 billion in value by 2030.”
“It’s not all smooth sailing. COVID-19 continues to provide challenges for international trade, although we are working as a government to do what we gain to boost international trade.”
“We have listened to concerns about labour shortages and we are progressing the Agricultural Visa to make sure that we can get the fruit picked and the veggies out of the ground.”
“We are also keeping an eye on mouse numbers through the spring.”
“Australians backed our farmers during the tough years of drought we are now seeing those very farmers help the Australian community and Australian economy through and beyond the pandemic.”
For information and resources for mouse-affected producers, visit: www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/mouse-infestation
To find more about the Agriculture Visa, visit: www.minister.awe.gov.au/littleproud/media-releases/australian-agriculture-visa