GrainGrowers today called on the Federal Government to act quickly on the recommendations made by the Australian Parliament's Agriculture Committee following its inquiry into the role of Australian agriculture in Southeast Asian markets.
The inquiry built on the findings of Invested: Australia's Southeast Economics strategy to 2040 (the Moore report), examining ways to deepen engagement with Southeast Asia in food and agriculture.
GrainGrowers Policy Manager, Trade and Supply Chains, Annabel Mactier, said increasing economic development presents significant opportunities for future trade growth, market diversification, and enhanced Southeast Asian food security.
Ms Mactier said the region has long been a valued trading partner for the Australian grain industry, with wheat exports valued at $6.3B (2022) comprising Australia's largest agriculture export to Southeast Asia.
She said GrainGrowers had consistently advocated for additional funding for the Agricultural Counsellor Network and trade diversification programs and was pleased the inquiry had made recommendations for support in these areas of activity.
"If Australia is to maximise the benefits outlined in the report, these initiatives are essential."
"Ensuring appropriate funding for the Agriculture Counsellor Network is critical to strengthening agricultural trade in Southeast Asia. Currently, counsellors are based in Hanoi, Jakarta, and Bangkok, with opportunities to expand."
Ms Mactier said the report's recommendation to enhance agriculture-specific programs would help the industry capitalise on regional opportunities.
"Long-term funding for the Agricultural Counsellor Network, joint industry-government programs, and bolstering agricultural research through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) are pivotal steps forward and are strongly supported by the grains industry."
Ms Mactier said 2024 marked the 50th Anniversary of Australia's dialogue partnership with ASEAN, and the opportunity was now open to leverage this milestone to shape the next 50 years of collaboration.
"As Southeast Asia's economies grow and evolve, the Australian grain industry has a critical role in ensuring food security while expanding market access for Australian producers."
"Prompt action by the government to take up the report's recommendations and align them with national strategies would ensure Australian agriculture remains at the forefront of Southeast Asia's food and trade systems," she said.
ends
Media contact: Chris Rowley
P: 0415 140 253 | Email chris.rowley@graingrowers.com.au | www.graingrowers.com.au