Coalition unveils real road map for Australian Food Security

05/08/10

The Coalition has today unveiled its agriculture and food security policy in Orange, with the Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Food Security, Forestry and Fisheries, John Cobb saying the initiatives are a comprehensive plan to boost Australian Agriculture and ensure the Nations food security both now and into the future.

The Coalition recognises that primary producers are the cornerstone of any civilisation and has stressed that no major civilisation has survived without a prosperous, efficient and sustainable food production system.

“We don’t need a plan to have another plan – we need real action now.

“The greatest threat to food production is not climate change or population growth, but the policies governments put in place to deal with it,” Mr Cobb said.

“There can be no food security without secure property rights for farmers. Nor can there be food security without water security, yet the Gillard Government continues to ignore these important issues.

Today’s announcements include:

- Increased Research and Development for primary production funding of $150million over three years;

- A $5 million four-year scientist/researchers pilot programme offering grants of up to $50,000 for specialised research, mentoring or further study;

- Grants totalling $50 million over four years for farmers undertaking water-saving activities for stock use;

- $20 million over four years towards a large scale Feral Animal Control Programme;

- A Saltbush Planting Programme to provide up to $100,000 matched dollar for dollar per annum per farm enterprise and up to $250,000 per established nursery per annum;

- $8 million for a “third party” auditable map of Australia’s Agricultural Production carbon footprint;

- $2 million for a “Green Tape” audit of all environmental legislation and regulations;

- $15 million for a Bio-security Flying Squad to provide urgent additional resources when a bio-security risk is identified.

“Unlike the Gillard Government, the Coalition will not be cutting the agriculture budget. We will be increasing it,” Mr Cobb said.

“Research and development is the key component of any food security plan, yet Labor has a track record of slashing agriculture research and development funding at both a State and Federal level.

“Under the Coalition there will be a full-time Cabinet Minister for Agriculture, Food Security, Fisheries and Forestry.

 “The Coalition does not support an emissions trading scheme and has made it very clear that feeding people is not something that should be artificially taxed.

“Also, the Labor Parties refusal to release the promised guide for Murray Darling Basin Plan is a disgrace and highlights the absolute contempt that both Ministers Burke and Wong feel for out Nations food and fibre producers.

“We will ensure that our border security is again at the top of the agenda, by providing an additional $108.1 million for our Bio-security and Customs agencies.

““The lack of interest in keeping our borders safe was highlighted the Apple and Pear Growers Association spokesman John Corboy during the ongoing issue of Chinese apple imports and the lack of research into the D.Suzukii fruit fly when he remarked that ‘it is easier to get a meeting with the Pope than it was with Minister Burke.‘,” Mr Cobb said.

“We will continue our support for Exceptional Circumstances support, however, when the drought is behind us we will examine options to improve drought support, “ Mr Cobb said.

Mr Cobb said the Coalition believes we need a strong agriculture sector in this country. Our food and fibre producers are the best in the world and the world needs Australian agriculture and technology.