Joint media release: Highlighting Australia's strength this World Food Day

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP
Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm

The Albanese Labor Government will always back Australia’s farmers, fishers and producers, and this World Food Day recognises the significant role they play in supporting our national economy, food security, and international trading relationships.

Australia’s agricultural production value is forecast to reach almost $100 billion this financial year, after exceeding this value in 2025-26, four years ahead of industry's 2030 target.

Agriculture, fisheries and forestry exports are forecast to reach over $80 billion in 2026-27 – the third highest result, with strong demand for Australia’s world-class food and fibre. 

This success is a testament to the hard work, resilience and skill of Australia’s farmers, fishers and producers.

It is backed by the Albanese Labor Government’s work to secure more market access opportunities, and to remove trade barriers, including $20 billion worth of trade with China.

Since the Albanese Government came to office, the value of Australia’s agricultural production has increased by 15 per cent, and more than 285 market access improvements have been delivered – with our agricultural trade now the most diversified it has ever been.

Over the past year, the Albanese Government has secured new market access opportunities in key markets including Vietnam, Indonesia, Canada and India, supporting exports of products such as blueberries, apples, rendered products and organic goods.

The success of Australia’s food production system is helping to strengthen our national economy and regional communities, and maintaining Australia’s reputation as a trusted and reliable food supplier – supporting strong agricultural supply chains globally.

These are key priorities of Australia’s first National Food Security Strategy, Feeding Australia, which the Albanese Government will deliver next year.

Development of Feeding Australia continues to progress, with extensive consultation across the agriculture industry, food and transport supply chain, nutrition and health sector undertaken over the last year, including more than 400 public submissions and 36 workshops held across the country.

It will provide a long-term plan to boost the productivity and resilience of Australia’s food system, building on the Government’s existing work to keep our food production strong, and to help support farmers, fishers and producers impacted by the war in the Middle East and our changing climate.

For more information on Feeding Australia, visit: www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/food/national-food-security-strategy 

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

“On World Food Day, we recognise the people who make Australia's food system one of the strongest and most trusted in the world, from our farmers and fishers to the workers who process, transport and sell our food.

“Our farmers, fishers and producers are the backbone of this nation, which is why our Government has worked to restore Australia’s international standing and to unlock more opportunities for them to export more of our world-class products.

“Our agricultural trade is now the most diversified it has ever been, which is not only good for our farmers and regional communities, but supports the important role Australia plays in strengthening food security across the Indo Pacific and more broadly.

“We continue to work with our agriculture industry to help them manage disruptions today, and to develop Australia’s first National Food Security Strategy, which will ensure our food system remains globally completive and strong into the future.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Anthony Chisholm:

“World Food Day is about recognising the industries and communities that produce the safe, reliable and nutritious food that every Australian relies on.

“We have the best food in the world and we are proud of it, which is why our Government is backing our farmers and producers to succeed today and to seize new opportunities tomorrow.

“Our food system is a national asset, and through our investments to bolster our biosecurity system, and to boost agricultural innovation and climate resilience, we are helping to make it stronger for the future.”