Federal government will allocate $3.5 million to new food security strategy if returned

The federal government has said it will develop a new national food security strategy titled “Feeding Australia” if re-elected, aimed at increasing “the security and supply chain resilience” of both agriculture and food production.

According to a statement from agriculture minister Julie Collins (pictured) on Tuesday, Australia produces enough food “to feed more than twice its own population” though is subject to global supply and demand pressures, climate change and other risks.

The government has said $3.5 million will be allocated to develop the strategy, under “a collaborative approach” giving farmers and others in the supply chain a chance to contribute.

“When our food and supply chains are secure, it reduces financial strain on households, helping all Australians,” said Collins.

A National Food Council of “industry and community experts” will also be appointed, should the government be returned, to advise on the strategy’s development and implementation.

An election date has not been announced, with the latest possible date being Saturday May 17 this year.

Picture: credit Australian Labor Party

Further reading

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