QFF GIVES PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP A FOOD POLICY A TICK OF APPROVAL

THE framework for a food policy announced today by the Queensland Government has been a long time coming, and if implemented properly would help drive the agricultural sector into the 21st century, the Queensland Farmers’ Federation has said.

The peak lobby group, which collectively represents intensive agriculture in Queensland, has been advocating on the importance of a comprehensive food policy for many years.

QFF CEO Dan Galligan said many of the key challenges and constraints facing the agricultural sector could become solvable with the introduction of a broad State-wide food policy supported by National principles.

“Queensland has a number of Acts in place that cover many of the ways farmers go about their business,” Mr Galligan said. “We also have policies and ‘blueprints’ for other major industries in the State, such as minerals and gas extraction. To date the State Government has not seen the food industry and food, fibre, and foliage production as worthy of policy and proactive leadership. With this initiative, hopefully this will change.

“Despite cyclones, droughts, financial meltdowns and competition for resources, the agricultural sector continues to be a mainstay of the Queensland economy. Securing this and providing a plan for growth in our ability to grow food, fibre, foliage and to process these products ready for consumption is not only sensible, it is critical for our future society.

“QFF will work with the State Government to ensure this policy, as it is developed, delivers tangible and positive outcomes for farmers, food processers and regional communities.

“In doing so we will also ensure the Government remembers that in Queensland it is more than just food production – it is also fibre and foliage.”

Mr Galligan said it was excellent to see Agriculture Minister Tim Mulherin demonstrating a policy that had vision and potential.

“The challenge will come with the implementation. That means not just developing a sound policy, but supporting it with adequate back-up in legislation that secures the fundamentals components to food, fibre, and foliage production, which includes access to appropriate land, soil and water as well as infrastructure to support sophisticated supply chains.”