Wednesday, 29 September 2021 10:55

Oz farmers set $100b target

Written by  Staff Reporters
National Farmers Federation president Fiona Simson. National Farmers Federation president Fiona Simson.

Australian agriculture is edging closer to the farmer-led goal of A$100-billion by 2030.

National Farmers Federation (NFF) says phenomenal growth is set to see the farm sector tally A$73 billion in 2021-2022, up from A$66 billion last financial year.

The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Agriculture, Resource Economics & Sciences (ABARES) paints a glorious picture underpinned by almost perfect seasonal conditions across many parts of the nation.

"Today's data puts a spring in farmers' step and is confirmation that the sector is stronger and more prosperous than ever," NFF president Fiona Simson said.

A bumper winter grain crop is the pillar of the forecast with this year's harvest set to contribute A$30 billion alone to total farm gate returns.

Red meat prices go from strength to strength with low national herd numbers and strong global demand for protein. Markets for wool and cotton remain strong.

Australian fruit and vegetables will also contribute more than their fair share, adding A$12 billion to ABARES' forecast A$73 billion total.

Simson said the good result was about more than good luck and rainfall.

"Australian farmers are the most innovative in the world, committed to continuous improvement and to finding new ways to grow smarter, more efficiently and more sustainably.

"The NFF's 2030 Roadmap outlines the plans needed to lift agriculture to a A$100 billion industry. Progress on key areas within the plan has already been achieved.

"Last month, the Government answered NFF's call for a dedicated Agriculture Visa as part of the solution to farmers' workforce woes."

Simson says the NFF is working closely with the Government to establish a framework that rewards farmers for their role in managing more than 51% of Australia's landscape.

"Earlier this year, the farm sector welcomed A$400 million in Federal Government funding for an expanded and modernised biosecurity system to maintain and grow international market access and to protect our industry from introduced pests and diseases," Simson said.

In addition to a lack of access to farm workers, the ABARES report identifies trade challenges, increased international freight costs and the ongoing mouse plague as speed humps, but ones that were unlikely to take the shine off what should be an unprecedented positive result for farmers.

More like this

NZ vs Aussie beef

OPINION: Your old mate hears that at a recent China Business Summit, PM Christopher Luxon delivered a none-too-subtle "could try harder" report card on the red meat industry regarding its exports to China - particularly when compared to Australia.

Oz farmers' election wishlist

Australian farmers advocate NFF says this year’s Federal Election will be a defining moment for Australian agriculture.

Featured

Editorial: Nitrate emergency?

OPINION: Environment Canterbury's (ECan) decision recently to declare a so-called “nitrate emergency” is laughable.

Federated Farmers slam Canterbury nitrate emergency

A shameless political stunt is how Federated Farmers is describing the Canterbury Regional Council decision to declare “a nitrate emergency” on the back of its latest annual groundwater quality survey.

National

Machinery & Products

New McHale terra drive axle option

Well-known for its Fusion baler wrapper combination, Irish manufacturer McHale has launched an interesting option at the recent Irish Ploughing…

Amazone unveils flagship spreader

With the price of fertiliser still significantly higher than 2024, there is an increased onus on ensuring its spread accurately at…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Tough times

OPINION: Dairy industry players are also falling by the wayside as the economic downturn bites around the country.

MSA triumph

OPINION: Methane Science Accord, a farmer-led organisation advocating for zero tax on ruminant methane, will be quietly celebrating its first…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter