Australia’s peak body for certified organic producers, Australian Organic Limited (AOL), has welcomed the Federal Government’s support for a new national food security strategy and says the organic industry is well positioned to be a major contributor to the plan.
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, announced that if re-elected, an Albanese Labor Government would commit $3.5 million to develop the Feeding Australia strategy, to boost the security and resilience of the country’s food production systems and reduce financial strain on households.
The Government will establish a National Food Council of industry and community experts to advise on the development and implementation of the strategy.
AOL Chief Executive Officer, Jackie Brian, said the Australian organic industry makes a huge contribution to national food security and would welcome the opportunity to be included in the conversation.
“Certified organic agriculture is a significant contributor to the Australian food sector and the national economy,” Ms Brian said.
“We are a $2.6 billion a year industry – larger than both the clothing manufacturing and processed seafood industries – and support more than 22,000 jobs, so we have a lot to offer a national food security strategy.
“It must address access to food and its production and distribution, supply chain resilience, good nutrition (diet and health), and the management and disposal of food waste, and the organic industry has already made considerable progress in these areas.
“Prioritising representatives of the Australian organic industry on the National Food Council is essential to ensure the Feeding Australia strategy is comprehensive and workable.”
Last month the National Farmers Federation called on all political parties and candidates to implement a National Food Security Preparedness Strategy, to navigate pressures from the changing climate, skyrocketing farm production costs, and an uncertain global trading environment.
The NFF claims one in three Australian families faces moderate to severe food insecurity, and a comprehensive framework is necessary to safeguard the farm sector’s ability to feed and clothe Australians amid growing disruptions.
“One of the great strengths the organic industry brings to national food security is the reduced reliance on imported inputs. Organic agriculture does not use the synthetic chemicals that conventional ag relies upon, so offers an added degree of protection from supply chain shocks.
“Certified organic farming is also more sustainable with fewer environmental impacts, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and more sustainable food choices for consumers, all while raising awareness of healthy eating.
“Our call to action this election covers four key areas that also contribute to food security: regulatory certainty, market access support, greater data collection and stronger traceability and biosecurity systems.”
Regardless of which political party is in power, Ms Brian said Australia’s attitude to food security should follow the same theme as that guiding the organic industry – ‘Grow like the future depends on it.’
“The next government has a key opportunity to improve data collection and reporting for the organic industry, ensuring accurate tracking of its growth, sustainability contributions, and economic impact,” she said.
“Priority areas for improvement include sustainability reporting, trade competitiveness, market performance of organic products, carbon sequestration and more, all of which contribute to the Feeding Australia strategy for food security.
“The right policy framework has the potential to more than double the industry’s value to $5.8b, which would ensure Australians have access to a plentiful, secure supply of certified organic food and that the industry is sustainable for the long term.”
IMAGE CAPTION: Australian Organic Limited Chief Executive Officer, Jackie Brian, said prioritising Australian organic industry representatives on the National Food Council is essential to ensure the Feeding Australia strategy is comprehensive and workable.
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