Nationals leader David Littleproud announced the Coalition’s plan at the National Press Club last week. Photo: National Press Club of Australia

THE NATIONAL Farmers’ Federation has welcomed the Coalition backing a national food security strategy, cementing bipartisan support for this critical election priority.

In his address to the at the National Press Club last week, Nationals leader David Littleproud said an elected Coalition Government would develop a comprehensive national food security plan.

He said the Department of Agriculture would be responsible for the plan, with the support of an Industry Advisory Committee, and an interim report would be due within the first six months of government.

“The only way to bring prices down at the checkout is to put downward pressure on costs right along the supply chain,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Only the Coalition has a meaningful plan to support our food producers, which will ensure stronger regional, rural and remote communities.”

The strategy has some similarities to the Federal Labor Party’s commitment to fund a new national food security strategy, that it has called Feeding Australia.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins last month announced the policy that she said would identify opportunities to improve supply chain resilience and feature a plan to better deal with future trends, trade with other nations, and the consequences of natural disasters and global shocks.

Ms Collins said the Government would commit $3.5 million to develop Feeding Australia as well as establish a National Food Council, comprising industry and community experts, to advise on the development and implementation of the strategy.

She said this work would also include a strategic examination of the potential to grow a biofuels feedstock industry to support Australia’s transition to net zero.

With both major parties pledging support for the strategy if elected NFF president David Jochinke said it was vital the next parliament moved quickly to deliver.

“We’ve fought hard for this commitment, not only working with our members but with other organisations along the food supply chain who have been concerned by Australia not having a national strategy,” Mr Jochinke said.

“Australia is lucky to have a strong and resilient food system – but we’re not bulletproof.

“Farmers are dealing with workforce shortages, soaring input costs, supply chain pressures and rising red tape.

“On top of that, we’re heavily reliant on imported fuel, fertiliser and chemicals.

“That makes us vulnerable to global disruptions we can’t control.”

Mr Jochinke said the proposed strategy must provide a clear framework to identify and fix vulnerabilities across the supply chain, from geopolitical risks and climate shocks, to biosecurity threats and local bottlenecks.

“It’s also an opportunity to look at the cost of doing business in farming and food. What happens along the supply chain affects what Australians pay at the checkout.

“Strengthening our food system helps keep food affordable, and that’s good for every Australian household,”

Source: The Nationals, Federal Government, NFF