Next Steps for Australia's First National Food Plan

The Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, has announced the next steps towards developing Australia’s first National Food Plan.

Addressing an audience at the Victorian Rural Press Club, Minister Ludwig said a National Food Plan white paper will be developed to help the government achieve its vision of a sustainable, globally competitive, resilient food supply that supports access to nutritious and affordable food.

An issues paper, released in June, was followed by 10 weeks of public consultation and the next step, a green paper, will provide stakeholders with a chance to contribute before a white paper is prepared.

He said the government is analysing and considering the full extent of issues raised in response to the issues paper, and has already begun work developing the green paper.

The green paper will outline the government’s vision and approach to food policy and canvas potential changes to policy, programs and governance arrangements.

Minister Ludwig said the objectives of the National Food Plan include:

• Identifying and mitigating potential risks to Australia’s food security
• Contributing to global food security
• Reducing barriers to a safe and nutritious food supply that responds to the evolving preferences and needs of all Australians and supports population health
• Supporting the long-term economic, environmental and social sustainability of Australia’s food supply chain
• Supporting the global competitiveness and productivity growth of the food supply chain, including through research, science and innovation
• Reducing barriers faced by food businesses to access international; and domestic markets
• Contributing to economic prosperity, employment and community wellbeing in regional Australia.

He said Australia’s food industry makes a significant contribution to the economy and trade; and is the dominant source of food for Australians and the development of Australia’s first ever National Food Plan will ensure it is ready to meet these challenges and maximise opportunities over the decades to come.