Strengthening the business environment and productive outlook of Australian grain producers and industry, with targeted policy support and investments, will also help build a better future for Australia.
That’s the core message and focus of Grain Producers Australia’s (GPA) submission to the 2023-24 Federal Budget process.
GPA’s submission outlines key policy priorities which supports GPA’s stated, strategic objectives, representing growers on national policy and advocacy, to foster a strong, innovative, profitable, globally competitive and environmentally sustainable grains industry in Australia.
GPA Chair and WA grain producer, Barry Large.
Headline priorities include; greater investment in local manufacturing to help mitigate production risks and high input costs; stronger preventative biosecurity measures to protect growers; more efficient supply chain; optimising grain market competition; and increased access to farm labour.
The submission also reflects core policy and budget priorities advocated by GPA directly to the Federal Government and across industry. This includes GPA’s 2022 Federal Election Policy Priorities document, and other recent submissions – including to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture inquiry into Food Security in Australia.
GPA Chair and WA grain producer, Barry Large, said budgetary and policy backing for these priorities will help boost the productivity and sustainability of Australian grain producers and strengthen the overall value and resilience of our industry.
“This will also deliver shared benefits to increase the social and economic resilience of our rural and farming communities, and the national economy,” he said.
“In essence, strengthening the business environment and productive outlook of Australian grain producers and our industry, with targeted policy support and investments, will also help build a better future for Australia.”
For 2021-22, the Australian grain industry was valued at an estimated $27.5 billion. With two record harvests delivered over the past two years, estimated at about 62 million tonnes each, grains is now the major contributor to national agricultural output.
“These high returns not only help supply domestic grain needs and value adding industries, including a large percentage towards livestock feed and meat production, they also enable a significant export industry for international markets and consumers, throughout the globe,” Mr Large said.
“Now is an ideal time to invest in the Australian grains industry’s future, to continue delivering increased value with stronger growth and resilience for the nation.
“GPA will continue working with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to engage and collaborate on these priorities and look forward to the budget being handed down in May.”
12 key headings in GPA’s 2022 Federal Election Policy Priorities
• Increase Supply of Skilled Workers on Grain Farms
• Better Digital Connectivity to Boost Farm Productivity
• ACCC to Conduct Study of Australian Grain Markets to Optimise Competition
• Increase Government Investment in Local Manufacturing Initiatives
• Grow Export Trade and Market Access for Australian Grains
• High Level Strategic Analysis/Investment to Reduce Grain Freight Costs
• Increased Focus on Preventative Biosecurity Measures to Protect Australian Grains
• Improved Access and Application for Agricultural Pesticides and Technology
• Remove Restrictive Grains Industry Red Tape and Costs
• Improved Independent Oversight of Grain Levies
• Strategic Taxation Reforms to Optimise Farm Resilience and Production
• Sharpen Grain Farm and Community Focus of Sustainability and Resilience Programs
ENDS
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