The Australian agricultural sector is poised to smash production value records this year, with the sector defying challenges of the pandemic, propelling production value to $73 billion.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the ABARES’s Agricultural Commodities: September Quarter report highlights farming has grown by 1.3 per cent in the last quarter and the sector is well on its way to its $100 billion target by 2030.
“This is a year to be proud of, highlighting just how strong the agriculture sector is, despite the uncertainty of a global pandemic,” Minister Littleproud said.
“In unprecedented economic times, and plenty of industries in Australia haven’t been lucky enough to see this kind of growth.
“The past two years have highlighted unprecedented growth in the agricultural sector with production up by 8 per cent with a bumper crop harvest, international demand for our produce and a strong market for livestock,” Minister Littleproud said.
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said seeing farmers riding a wave of bumper crops and record production figures agricultural sector was boosting optimism in regional Australia.
“For the second year in a row not only are we looking at a bumper harvest for winter crop, but there are also higher prices and greater demand for barley, canola, beef, sheep, cotton, wool and horticulture all expected to reach record levels,” Senator Henderson said.
“While COVID-19 continues to provide challenges for international trade, 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 fruit and vegetables picked and packed and into supermarkets.
“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.”
To find more about the Agriculture Visa, visit www.minister.awe.gov.au/littleproud/media-releases/australian-agriculture-visa
14 September 2021