The Australian Parliament’s Agriculture and Water Resources Committee has published its report Growing Australia: Inquiry into growing Australian agriculture to $100 billion by 2030.

Media release issue date: Monday, 14 December 2020

The Australian Parliament’s Agriculture and Water Resources Committee has published its report Growing Australia: Inquiry into growing Australian agriculture to $100 billion by 2030. The Committee’s inquiry considered how the Australian agriculture could reach the target set by the National Farmers’ Federation to grow the sector to a farmgate value of $100 billion by 2030. The Committee Chair, Mr Rick Wilson MP, described this target as ambitious but achievable and noted that ‘Australian producers have a strong track record of taking advantage of economic opportunities and delivering productivity growth over the long-term.’ ‘Australian farmers have consistently identified and embraced new technologies and techniques that can improve their businesses. This innovative mindset makes our producers well placed to benefit from the digital technologies that are rapidly becoming central to the process of farming.’ Mr Wilson said. Mr Wilson also highlighted the importance of exports to the sector, stating ‘there is perhaps no issue that will affect the trajectory of Australian agriculture more than our ability to expand and diversify our export markets. The quality of Australian produce is recognised globally, and to take advantage of this reputation we must continually look for opportunities to expand into new markets, as well as seek productivity improvements that allow our producers to remain ahead of the game in competitive international markets’, Mr Wilson added. The report includes recommendations aimed at promoting adoption of innovative new technologies, developing a national biosecurity strategy, increasing export market access for Australian producers, and attracting young people to undertake a career in agriculture. The report can be found at the inquiry website. Media enquiries Elysia Harverson, office of Mr Rick Wilson MP, Chair elysia.harverson@aph.gov.au 0477 360 087 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4500 agriculture.reps@aph.gov.au

The Australian Parliament’s Agriculture and Water Resources will begin its travel across Northern Australia today with a hearing in Toowoomba as part of its Inquiry into growing Australian agriculture to $100 billion by 2030.

Media release issue date: Monday, 16 March 2020

The Australian Parliament’s Agriculture and Water Resources will begin its travel across Northern Australia today with a hearing in Toowoomba as part of its Inquiry into growing Australian agriculture to $100 billion by 2030. The Committee will today hold a hearing in Toowoomba. Committee Chair, Mr Rick Wilson MP, highlighted the vast potential of northern Australia to expand its agricultural production. ‘From cattle to cotton and from aquaculture to horticulture, the availability of land and water provides incredible opportunities for a diverse range of agricultural industries to thrive in the north.’ ‘In addition, the proximity to the growing markets of the Asia-Pacific is a significant advantage for northern producers. The Committee will be discussing how northern ports such as Townsville and Darwin, as well as the new air freight flights leaving Toowoomba, can assist Australian producers to access these expanding export markets’, Mr Wilson said. Public hearing details Date: Monday, 16 March 2020 Time: 10.50am to 11.20am Location: Karl Langer East Room, Burke and Wills Hotel, 554 Ruthven St, Toowoomba The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Elysia Harverson, office of Mr Rick Wilson MP, Chair elysia.harverson@aph.gov.au 0477 360 087 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4500 agriculture.reps@aph.gov.au

The Agriculture and Water Resources Committee will be travelling to Wagga Wagga on Friday, 7 February as part of its Inquiry into growing Australian agriculture to $100 billion by 2030.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 6 February 2020

The Agriculture and Water Resources Committee will be travelling to Wagga Wagga on Friday, 7 February as part of its Inquiry into growing Australian agriculture to $100 billion by 2030. The Committee will be inspecting the research facilities at Charles Sturt University and then holding a public hearing at the university. The Committee Chair, Mr Rick Wilson MP, stated that “Charles Sturt University has a strong focus on partnering with industry to develop new precision agriculture techniques and technologies. The Committee looks forward to discussing with Charles Sturt the outcomes of this research and how to ensure Australian farmers have the opportunity to become early adopters of innovative technologies.” Public hearing details Date: Friday, 7 February 2020 Time: 12.30 pm to 4.45 pm Location: Convention Centre, Building 230, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Elysia Harverson, office of Mr Rick Wilson MP, Chair elysia.harverson@aph.gov.au 0477 360 087 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4500 agriculture.reps@aph.gov.au

The House Standing Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources will today launch an inquiry into growing Australian agriculture to $100 billion by 2030.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 3 September 2019

The House Standing Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources will today launch an inquiry into growing Australian agriculture to $100 billion by 2030. Australia’s agricultural industries currently generate products valued at approximately $60 billion annually. The National Farmers’ Federation has suggested that with careful planning and investment this figure could grow to $100 billion by 2030. Mr Rick Wilson MP, Chair of the Agriculture and Water Resources Committee, stated that ‘the global demand for food is projected to grow 54 per cent by 2050. Australian agriculture is well placed to make a significant contribution to supplying this growing demand and in the process increase its value and profitability.’ ‘Whether it be improving market access, investing in marketing, or embracing innovative technologies that increase the efficiency, sustainability, and productivity of our farms, the Committee is interested in all the opportunities available to drive growth in Australian agricultural businesses in the coming decades’, Mr Wilson said. The Committee is accepting submissions to the inquiry until Monday, 14 October 2019. For further information on making a submission please visit the inquiry website. Media inquiries Elysia Harverson, office of Mr Rick Wilson MP, Chair elysia.harverson@aph.gov.au 0477 360 087 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4500 agriculture.reps@aph.gov.au