New strategy to support Australia's bioenergy feedstock industry

The Albanese Labor Government is committed to supporting new opportunities for our farmers, producers and regional communities and is today launching the National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy.

The National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy recognises Australia’s comparative advantage in agricultural and forestry systems, the potential to significantly increase the scale of feedstock production to meet growing demand, and the significant economic opportunity for producers and regional Australia.

Australia produces world-class agricultural and forestry commodities, such as canola, sugar and other crops that are already supporting bioenergy production overseas.

As Australia works towards a lower-emissions future, bioenergy - including low carbon liquid fuels - can help reduce emissions, strengthen fuel security and support new economic growth.

Australia’s farmers can and should play a key role in securing more home-grown fuel production in Australia and the National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy will complement the Albanese Labor Government’s $1.1 billion Cleaner Fuels Program and the design of market measures to drive demand to make sure they do.

Drawing on significant input from stakeholders across the supply chain, the Strategy provides a shared direction for governments, industry and producers to work together to support sustainable growth of Australia’s feedstock industry.

It identifies priority areas for collective action including improving market ready data, supporting innovation, strengthening regional supply chains, building credible sustainability and certification systems, and improving sector capability.

These foundations will support the industry to grow in a way that complements food, fibre and forestry production, maintains community confidence and maximises opportunities for producers and regional communities.

For more information on the National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy, visit National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy - DAFF.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:

“A strong bioenergy feedstock sector can support Australia’s emissions reduction ambitions, strengthen fuel security and deliver economic benefits across the country.

“Australia already produces and exports around $6 billion of high-quality feedstocks each year, that support bioenergy production overseas.

“We heard from farmers and producers across the supply chain about the need for a clear national direction for Australia’s bioenergy feedstock sector and this new Strategy responds to that call with a clear framework for sustainable growth.

“This is another way the Albanese Labor Government is supporting Australian producers and regional communities while helping position Australia for the opportunities of the future.”