- Introduction
- Southeast Asia is one of the fastest-growing markets for Australian agricultural exports. Australian agriculture is critical to sustaining the region’s ongoing economic growth, ensuring food security and contributing to livelihoods. In 2022, the value of Australia’s agriculture and food exports to Southeast Asia totalled $17.5 billion, while agriculture and food imports from Southeast Asia totalled $5.8bn. High demand for Australian agriculture and food production is expected to continue out to 2040. Population growth, rapid urbanisation, rising incomes and escalating food security requirements will continue to drive this need.
- In September 2023, the Australian Government released a report produced under the leadership of Nicholas Moore AO, the Special Envoy for Southeast Asia, titled Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 (the Moore report).This seminal work highlighted the importance of Australia’s relationship to Southeast Asia across the whole gamut of economic activity, including agriculture and food, and made a range of recommendations to improve Australia’s engagement with the region.
- With trade in agriculture and food being one of the cornerstones of Australia’s relationship with the region, the Committee was asked to inquire into the role of Australian agriculture in Southeast Asian markets in the context of the Moore report recommendations. In particular, the Committee was asked to focus on how the Australian Government could support the sector to leverage opportunities in the region; build and strengthen partnerships; and support Southeast Asia’s food security.
Conduct of the inquiry
1.4The inquiry was referred by the then Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, on 22 February 2024. A copy of the terms of reference can be found on page xi.
1.5Over the course of the inquiry, the Committee received 28 submissions and held seven public hearings between August and October 2024. A list of submissions is at Appendix A, and the details of the public hearings at Appendix B.
Structure of the report
1.6This report consists of four chapters including this introduction.
1.7Chapter 2 explores the opportunities and challenges facing Australian agriculture in Southeast Asia. It outlines the findings of the Moore report and the Australian Government’s response to date. It provides an overview of agricultural trade with the region, including opportunities and challenges, before discussing the regulations and standards required to develop economic relationships.
1.8Chapter 3 examines the relationships which underpin trade. It highlights the importance of long-term investment in relationship building, and collaboration between government and industry—including the need for a ‘Team Australia’ approach. It also highlights the importance of collaboration with Australia’s trading partners in achieving mutually beneficial outcomes. Cultural literacy, the role of Agriculture Counsellors, and the role of funding agencies and programs in market engagement is also discussed.
1.9Chapter 4 addresses food security and capability building. It acknowledges the important role Australian agriculture plays in the food security of the region, and the work of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. Collaboration and capacity building in biosecurity, sustainability and climate change, and labour mobility, is also examined.
Acknowledgements
1.10The Committee would like to thank everyone who provided written submissions or attended public hearings for their insights into the complex and multifaceted role of Australian agriculture in Southeast Asian markets.