FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE SECTOR TO BE REVIEWED: CHESTER
December 13, 2013
Gippsland primary producers have been encouraged to have their say in the future direction of Australia’s agriculture sector by The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
Mr Chester said Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce has announced an Agriculture Competitiveness White Paper to examine the competitiveness of the industry.
He said the agricultural industry was critical to local jobs and the Gippsland and Victorian economies.
“The agriculture industry and Gippsland go hand-in-hand,” Mr Chester said.
“There are more than 14,000 jobs related to food production in Gippsland; exports exceed $2 billion; and $1.3 billion is spent by those involved in the sector on goods and services within the region.”
Mr Chester said the White Paper would consider issues including food security; improving farmgate returns; debt; drought management; supply chain competitiveness; investment, job creation; infrastructure; skills and training; research and development; regulatory effectiveness and market access.
“The establishment of a White Paper is a positive step towards strengthening the industry and making sure that it is vibrant, innovative and competitive into the future,” Mr Chester said.
“The paper will develop recommendations for boosting agriculture’s contribution to economic growth, export and trade, innovation and productivity.
“Importantly, feedback from local primary producers and representative groups is critical to the White Paper process.”
Minister Joyce said the sector has considerable opportunities for future growth.
“As a nation we must encourage a strong agricultural sector, with primary producers that remain among the most innovative in the world,” Mr Joyce said.
“We are committed to building a plan together with farmers that will help us increase production and export our top quality products to markets across world.”
Mr Chester said an issues paper for the White Paper will be released in the coming weeks ahead of extensive consultation with industry and the community.
He said an issues paper will be released soon with updates on the White Paper process and the terms of reference available at agriculturalcompetitiveness.dpmc.gov.au