Economic Reform Roundtable: a "welcomed opportunity" - National Farmers Federation

The National Farmers Federation has released a statement regarding yesterday’s economic reform roundtable.

NFF President David Jochinke said the roundtable was a welcomed opportunity to rethink how agriculture can help lift Australia’s productivity.

“Let’s be clear, agriculture already pulls its weight, contributing about $90 billion to the national economy and supporting about 275,000 jobs,” Mr Jochinke said.

“We’re not just part of the economy; we are driver of it.”

“I am honoured to represent our members and Australian farmers at today’s session on “international risks, opportunities and trade”.

“Agriculture is one of Australia’s most trade-exposed sectors, with over $70 billion in produce exported each year. Right now, we’re navigating one of the most complex and changing global trading environments in a generation."

"As the global chessboard shifts, Australia needs to play smart and stay competitive,” Mr Jochinke continued."

Last week, at the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s “Unlocking Productivity in Australian Agriculture” roundtable the NFF outlined six key priorities to drive productivity growth. On trade specifically, the NFF says it sees real opportunities in:

• Expanding market access in Southeast Asia,

• Advancing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the Gulf Cooperation Council, the European Union and India,

• And tackling non-tariff barriers that restrict trade.

"These are actions within reach for industry and Government to pursue together," Mr Jochinke said.

ABARES noted that “productivity growth also enables farmers to earn higher returns on capital, higher wages, higher profits and can increase the agricultural contribution to national income. It can also lead to lower prices for consumers and reduced environmental impacts.”

Mr Jochinke said the NFF could not agree more with that statement.

“Productivity wins in agriculture are wins for farmers, for consumers and for the broader economy,” he said.

“They’re also essential to achieving our goal to becoming a $100 billion industry by 2030.”