List of recommendations

2.97The Committee recommends that the Australian Government continue to support the implementation of the Moore report recommendations.

2.98The Committee recommends that the Australian Government provide its agencies with the resources required to:

Maintain Australia’s agricultural trade with Southeast Asia.

Revise trade agreements as required.

Address non-tariff barriers to trade.

Harmonise regulations and standards to streamline trade, including supporting the traceability of Australian agricultural products.

2.99The Committee recommends that the Australian Government support the trade in organic agriculture in Southeast Asia by:

Improving accessibility and detail of information provided on the MICOR and Austrade websites, with a specific focus on organic operators.

Providing a dedicated point of contact officer for Asian markets, with a background in the organic industry and a thorough understanding of the requirements for organic export.

Ongoing budgetary funding to improve resources available for the organic industry.

Providing organic-specific grant programs tailored to support organic operators seeking entry into the Southeast Asian market.

Reviewing the domestic regulatory framework to ensure its alignment with current international standards and potential rival jurisdictions, including mechanisms within the framework to define and regulate organic products within Australia’s domestic market.

3.86The Committee recommends that the Australian Government make a long-term commitment to the Southeast Asia Business Exchange program to strengthen engagement and collaboration with Australia’s partners in Southeast Asia, with a particular emphasis on agriculture.

3.87The Committee recommends that the Australian Government invest in the development of Southeast Asian literacy within the business community and the education system to strengthen the relationship between Australia and its partners in Southeast Asia.

3.88The Committee recommends that the Australian Government provide more funding to maintain and enhance the Agriculture Counsellor network in Southeast Asia; and provide additional resources for the technical staff required to undertake technical negotiation and trade cooperation activities.

3.89The Committee recommends that the Australian Government reinstate and resource the:

Agri-Business Expansion Initiative.

Agriculture Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) program.

Indonesia–Australia Partnership on Food Security in the Red Meat and Cattle Sector (RMCP).

3.90The Committee recommends that the Australian Government continue to fund and resource the work of the Cairns Group and the Cairns Group of Farm Leaders, and the Special Representative for Australian Agriculture.

4.72The Committee recommends that the Australian Government increase the resources available for capability building programs for the food and agriculture sector within the Southeast Asian region, and that additional funding to relevant agencies be provided on a long-term basis.

4.73The Committee recommends that the Australian Government increase the resources available for regional collaboration on biosecurity with Southeast Asia.

4.74The Committee recommends that the Australian Government provide additional funding to the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research for its work in Southeast Asia.

4.75The Committee recommends that the Australian Government implement the Moore report’s recommendation to establish the Australian Agricultural Partnership.

4.76The Committee recommends that the Australian Government investigate opportunities for employment, knowledge and skills transfer, using an extension of the PALM scheme into the Southeast Asian region.