- ABARES’s Agricultural Commodities: September Quarter report forecasts agricultural gross value of production to be $73 billion.
- Above average crop production, international markets and strong livestock prices.
- Labour shortages, COVID-19 and mouse numbers continue to be challenges.
Australian agricultural sector is poised to smash production value records this year, with pandemic-defying farmers propelling the sector to $73 billion. This is up from lasts year production of $66 billion that had to be revised during last year from an initial estimate of $60 billion because of better seasonal conditions.
Over the last decade, agricultural production in Australia will now estimate to have grown $26 billion from $47 billion which is a stellar performance despite drought, fire floods and infestations.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the ABARES’s Agricultural Commodities: September Quarter report forecasts an 8% increase in the value of production above the 2020/21 record.
“This is remarkable in unprecedented economic times, and plenty of industries in Australia haven’t seen that kind of growth,” Minister Littleproud said.
“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.
“We’ve got all our ducks in a row for a record year again underpinned by our Ag 2030 plan to help agriculture trash its $100 billion goal by 2030.
“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.
“Two good years in a row have lifted optimism in regional Australia, and this is reflected in the record prices farmers have been willing to pay for restocking cattle.
“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 number through the spring, particularly in southern Queensland and northern and central New South Wales.
“While mouse numbers are unlikely to impact the harvest, they may affect grain stored on-site. Bulk handlers are already upping their storage make sure that we can get as much crop to the market at possible.
“This is a year to be proud of. It shows just how strong the agriculture sector is, despite the uncertainty of a global pandemic.”
“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
