Australia now needs a food policy

A greater focus on food security in Australia from both sides of politics has been welcomed today (December 9) by Australia’s leading organisation representing food and grocery manufacturing, the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC).

The Federal Government has acknowledged the Coalition’s addition of food security to Shadow Agriculture Minister John Cobb’s portfolio, with the Government highlighting the important synergy between food security and climate change.

AFGC Chief Executive Kate Carnell said having agreement from both parties on this issue was vital to safeguarding the future of Australia’s food manufacturing industry.

“But the major issue at this stage is that neither has a food policy,” Ms Carnell said.

“Industry is now looking forward to having bipartisan support for a National Food and Grocery Agenda.”

The strategy must include:

• Increasing farm production,
• Continuous improvements in food safety,
• A consistent, national, transparent regulatory framework,
• An environmentally sustainable food chain – with a focus on better packaging, efficient use of water, minimising food waste and energy use,
• A focus on improving export capacity, and
• An efficient transport system with better infrastructure and consistent rules and regulations.

“Having this strategy in place is essential so that Australia’s $100 billion industry and the 315,000 people who work in it have a secure future,” Ms Carnell said.

-ENDS-

For more information, AFGC Media Adviser Brad Watts on 0437 379 818.