The Andrews Labor Government is taking action to grow Victoria’s food and fibre sector to create jobs and build stronger regional and rural communities.
In response to the Commonwealth Government’s Agriculture Competitiveness Green Paper, Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development, Jaala Pulford, has called on the Commonwealth to work with the Labor Government to build on its commitment to grow Victoria’s agriculture sector.
The Labor Government’s $200 million Future Industries Fund will support businesses specialising in the food and fibre sector, while our $20 million investment in Food Source Victoria will assist producers from the region to come together and grow their businesses.
Our farmers, food processors and manufacturers are already making a major contribution to Victoria, particularly in regional communities. The Labor Government will help them continue this work.
By working with the Commonwealth and focusing on the whole-of-industry –from on the farm through to processing and developing export markets –we can boost the sector even further.
Responding to the Green Paper, the Labor Government outlined a number of priorities:
- Working with the Commonwealth and industry to develop new markets and improve market access, including growing exports into Asia
- Developing industry knowledge by investing in training and skills and developing industry leaders
- Creating a more competitive business environment by increasing the efficiency of the transport and logistics networks, boosting farm productivity, cutting red tape and facilitating investment
- Ensuring future sustainability by investing in world-class bioscience and research and development and helping the sector adapt to climate change
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development, Jaala Pulford
“We want the Commonwealth to work with us to create jobs, improve access to international markets and boost productivity and supply chain efficiency so we can support our farmers and grow our economy.”
“With increased demand for high quality food coming from Asia’s growing middle class, there is potential for extraordinary growth in Victoria’s food and fibre sector.”
“Food and fibre is one of Victoria’s most important industries, contributing over $11 billion to our economy each year.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020