The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester today said mandatory country of origin food labelling standards would drive further demand for Gippsland’s high quality produce.
The new labelling standards, to begin in four months, will help shoppers to choose products and food grown or produced in Australia.
“This new labelling system will help shoppers to easily identify food products that have been made, grown or produced in Australia and show the percentage of the Australian-produced content in each product,” Mr Chester said.
“Australians want to support their farmers and these labels will make it easier for shoppers to make an informed choice.
“Country of origin labels will help to increase demand for quality Australian produce, including that from Gippsland such as dairy, vegetable and meat products.”
Under the new rules, most Australian foods will need to include a bar chart and statement indicating the minimum percentage of Australian content. These foods will also carry the ‘Australian made’ kangaroo logo if it has been made, produced or grown in Australia. All food labels will need to continue to include a statement about where the food has been made, grown or produced.
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud said the labelling system meant shoppers could easily choose clean, green Aussie produce.
“Aussies want to choose fair dinkum Aussie produce and our Country of Origin Labelling changes will help them,” Minister Littleproud said. “Aussies want to support Aussie farmers – all we’ve got to do is give them the information.
“We have seen big and small businesses already using the labels, including SPC, Nestle, Bulla, and Woolworths.
“The Country of Origin Labelling system has been voluntary since it was introduced in mid-2016, but from 1 July this year it will become compulsory. For business yet to include the Country of Origin standards on its labels, four months might seem like a long time, but it will be on us sooner than you think.”
More information for businesses, including an online tool, can be found at business.gov.au/foodlabels or by calling 13 28 46.
