Page 6 - Australian Pork Newspaper

NFF calls for government action on research warning
AN alarming new re- port by CSIRO confirms Australian agriculture is at risk of increased dis- ease outbreaks and pest incursions, weakened exports and damage to our global trading repu- tation.
the next decade of resil- ience’ – was a sobering read, which showed that a business-as-usual ap- proach would not meet the challenges of the fu- ture and protect Australia from the potentially dev- astating impacts of exotic pests and diseases.
enhancing data sharing across supply chains and enabling the role of in- dustry and community in biosecurity responsibility through improved com- munity engagement.”
Mahar said.
The agriculture sector is
ians – governments, in- dustry, the community – have a role to play in delivering a strong bios- ecurity system, and we strongly endorse that mes- sage,” Mr Mahar said.
The prediction comes after the absence in the federal budget of any meaningful new funding commitment to strengthen the national biosecurity system and following the failure of the much-antici- pated biosecurity levy.
“A strong biosecurity system is fundamental to the success of Australia’s $60 billion agriculture sector, and to our ambi- tion to grow to $100 bil- lion in output by 2030,” Mr Mahar said.
“A single pest or disease incursion has the poten- tial to bring our agricul- tural industries to their knees, and the COVID-19 experience has brought home the message that biosecurity matters to all Australians, and a breach can have far-reaching eco- nomic, environmental and social consequences,” Mr
grappling with the impact of multiple new exotic pest incursions this year, including avian influ- enza and fall armyworm, while the threat of other highly damaging pests and diseases – such as Af- rican swine fever, khapra beetle, brown marmorated stink bug, foot and mouth disease and xylella fas- tidiosa, which have spread around the world – looms large.
“The NFF will continue to call on the Australian Federal Government to step up and ensure the critical biosecurity func- tions it delivers to miti- gate biosecurity risk at the border and pre-border are adequately resourced, in- novative and fit for pur- pose.”
National Farmers’ Fed- eration chief executive Tony Mahar said the new report – ‘Australia’s bios- ecurity future: unlocking
“It is also central to the health of our natural environment, commu- nity wellbeing and the economy at large.
“This report is a re- minder that all Austral-
National Farmers’ Federation chief executive Tony Mahar.
“This report clearly demonstrates that Aus- tralia needs a more in- novative, coordinated and collaborative biosecurity system if it is to keep up with the threat from increasing and severe bi- osecurity events.”
Delivering Specialist Agribusiness Public Relations Skills that will build your business, enhance your brand, promote your products and sell your services, all backed by unsurpassed professionalism, experience and track record.
Contact Brendon Cant
M 0417 930 536 E brendon@iinet.net.au
Page 6 – Australian Pork Newspaper, December 2020
www.porknews.com.au
Mr Mahar said Aus- tralia’s biosecurity system was simply too important to compromise.
“We know that the volume and complexity of biosecurity threats will continue to grow.”
QFF celebrates National Agriculture Day
THE Queensland Farmers’ Federation and industry members celebrated Queens- land’s integral role in Australia’s agricul- tural story as part of National Agriculture Day on November 20, 2020.
National Agricul- ture Day commemo-
ploys over 300,000 Queenslanders across the whole food supply chain, meaning roughly one in seven Queens- landers are employed by the food sector, while all enjoy its pro- duce,” Dr Davis said.
Caption
rates the critical role farmers play in feeding, clothing and providing amenity for the people of Queensland, Aus- tralia and many around the world.
Dr Davis said Na- tional Agriculture Day was also an opportunity to educate the public about the agriculture sector and how they can better support farmers during a challenging time.
Regional Queensland is an attractive destina- tion for interstate trav- ellers and for Queens- landers to discover their own backyard.
QFF chief executive officer Dr Georgina Davis said, “The day provides an opportunity for all Australians to re- flect on the pivotal role agriculture has played in the country’s history and that it will continue to play into the future.”
“With so many farmers contending with the COVID-19 pandemic, rising input costs and a protracted drought, there’s never been a better time to stand with our farming communities,” Dr Davis said.
“By supporting farmers with their wallets and their feet, consumers will con- tinue to play an active role in helping to build more resilient farming businesses and ensure a bright future for Queensland agricul- ture.”
“Queenslanders in particular have a lot to celebrate on National Agriculture Day, with the state’s 24,000 farm businesses producing some of the highest quality food, fibre and
For a national break- down of Australian ag- riculture’s worth and value, visit agday.org. au
foliage in the world. “The value of the sector remains strong despite disruption from COVID-19 – worth al- most $17 billion and 12 percent of Queensland’s
“Buying local pro- duce and paying a fair price for it is the best way Queensland con- sumers can support the agricultural sector.
total exports. “Agriculture em-
“Additionally, many farmers are now of- fering agritourism experiences – from produce tastings, re- gional markets, farm and winery tours, to cooking classes and farm stays.
Scott Morrison supported farmers on National Agriculture Day.
“In the five years to 2017, the amount of bi- osecurity risk materials intercepted in Australia increased by almost 50 percent.
“The biosecurity system must keep pace, and this important new report pro- vides expert advice on how the system can be transformed to meet the challenges of the future.
“The biosecurity system of the future needs to be built on system connec- tivity – digitisation and