Mistle-toast to the holiday season with Australian produce

Australians are being urged to choose local produce this year for their holiday meals.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the best way to get on Santa’s nice list is to support your local farmers, fishers and producers.

“Don’t be left with resting grinch face this holiday season and let our local produce bring some festive cheer,” Minister Watt said.

“Australia has some of the world’s best produce and by buying Australian you are supporting around 87,000 agricultural businesses, most of which are farms.

“There are so many ways to support local – whether it’s your traditional leg of ham, bowl of cherries, or bucket of prawns.

“Check the label or ask your butcher, fruit shop or fishmonger if produce is Australian grown.

“And it will soon be easier to choose local seafood, with mandatory country of origin labelling beginning to roll out next year.”

Seafood country of origin labelling will ensure that Australians will always know whether the seafood meal they purchase is from Australia or overseas.

The mandatory labelling, once implemented, will give clear and consistent details about the origin of the seafood at hospitality venues and from food service businesses.

"Latest figures suggest more than 60 per cent of seafood bought by Australians is imported, and this is increasing every year,” Minister Watt said.

“However, there is no consistent country-of-origin information available in hospitality settings for Australians to make informed decisions.

“The fishing and seafood industry has been fighting for this reform for over 15 years.

“The industry employs 17,000 Australians, almost all in regional areas on trawlers or in processing and wholesale.”

Minister Watt said Australians tend to choose Australian products when given the choice.

“So let’s continue to do so and support our farmers, fishers and producers this holiday season.

“Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all who celebrate.”

Fast facts: 

• Australia consumed approximately 50kg of poultry meat per person in 2022–23, ranking 1st as the most consumed meat in Australia.
• The gross value of Australian poultry meat production was an estimated $3.8 billion in 2022–23, 15 per cent higher than the previous year.
• Australia consumed approximately 27kg of pork products per person in 2022–23¬, ranked 2nd only behind poultry meat.
• The gross value of Australian pork production was an estimated $1.7 billion in 2022–23, 25 per cent higher than the previous year.
• Around 37 per cent of Australian households purchased cherries in 2021–22.
• Australia consumed around 500g of cherries per person in 2021–22, with Australians buying an average of 522g per shopping trip.
• The gross value of Australian cherry production was $227 million in 2021–22.
• Australians consumed around 17 kg of fresh potatoes per person in 2021–22.
• The gross value of Australian potato production was $830 million in 2021–2022, 3 per cent higher than the previous year.
• Australians consumed around 2.35 kg of mangoes per person in 2021–22, with almost half of Australian households purchasing mangoes.
• The gross value of Australian mango production was $218 million in 2021–2022, 8 per cent higher than the previous year.
• The value of Australian fisheries and aquaculture production was estimated to be $3.63 billion in 2022–23.
• Of which, $1.46 billion was salmon and trout, $546 million prawns, $360 million rock lobster, and $169 million tuna.
• The gross value of Australian prawn production increased by 8 per cent in 2022–23.
• The gross value of Australian oyster production was an estimated $162 million in 2022–23, 73 per cent higher than 10 years ago.