The Hon. David Littleproud MP
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia
Deputy Leader of the Nationals
The Hon. Michelle Landry MP
Assistant Minister for Children and Families
Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism
Federal Member for Capricornia
- ABARES’s Agricultural Commodities: September Quarter report forecasts agricultural gross value of production to be $73 billion.
- Above average crop production, international markets and strong livestock prices.
- Labour shortages, COVID-19 and mouse numbers continue to be challenges.
The Australian agricultural sector is poised to smash production value records this year, with our pandemic-defying farmers propelling the sector to $73 billion.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the ABARES’s Agricultural Commodities: September Quarter report shows that farming has grown by 1.3 per cent in the last quarter.
“That may not sound like much, but we are dealing in unprecedented economic times, and plenty of industries in Australia haven’t been lucky enough to see that kind of growth,” Minister Littleproud said.
“This is a year to be proud of. It shows just how strong the agriculture sector is, despite the uncertainty of a global pandemic.
“We’re looking at our second good year in a row, with a bumper crop harvest, international demand for our produce and a strong market for livestock.”
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said two good years in a row had lifted optimism in regional Australia.
“We’ve got all our ducks in a row for a record year. Not only are we looking at a bumper harvest for winter crop, but there are also higher prices and greater demand for beef, sugar and grains,” Ms Landry said.
“It’s not all smooth sailing. COVID-19 continues to provide challenges for international trade, although 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 the fruit picked and the veggies out of the ground.
“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.”
Fast Facts:
- For information and resources for mouse-affected producers, visit www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/mouse-infestation
To find more about the Agriculture Visa, visit www.minister.awe.gov.au/littleproud/media-releases/australian-agriculture-visa
