New figures show agriculture is booming despite floods

Despite devasting floods across five states, Australian agriculture has had an outstanding 12 months according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES).
 
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said today’s release of the ABARES Agricultural Commodities and Crop Reports showed high yields for winter crops and strong agricultural commodity exports were driving the industry forward.
 
“ABARES has forecast agricultural production to be $85 billion in 2022-23, almost the same record level that was set the previous year,” Minister Watt said.
 
“Australian agricultural exports have benefitted from the amazing crop yields and high commodity prices and are forecast to break records at over $72 billion in 2022-23.
 
“While heavy rain and flooding has impacted our eastern states, other parts of the country are experiencing their best winter crop on record.
 
“Total production in Western Australia and South Australia are both forecast to reach new record levels and Queensland is forecast to reach the second highest on record, despite parts of the Darling Downs being impacted by the floods early in the growing season.
 
“New South Wales and Victoria continue to be impacted by heavy rainfall, flooding and waterlogging so the crop harvest progress and grain quality in those states are uncertain.
 
“I would encourage anyone who’s been impacted by floods to get in touch with the National Emergency Management Agency and see what help is available.
 
“This is a timely reminder that our sector is beholden to climate conditions, and we need to continue to support the agricultural industry to prepare for and respond to the ongoing impacts of climate change.
 
“I would like to thank ABARES for this thorough report, and the vital work they do in collecting, collating, reporting and forecasting data for our Agriculture sector.”
 
The Agricultural Commodities Report – December can be read here: www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/agricultural-outlook/agriculture-overview  
 
The Australian Crop Report – December¬ can be read here: www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/agricultural-outlook/australian-crop-report  
 
Fast Facts: 

• 2022-23 agricultural production gross value is forecast to be $85 billion.  
• The winter crop is forecast to be over 62 million tonnes, the second largest on record.
• Livestock production is expected to hold steady, contributing $34 billon to the national total.
• Australia’s agricultural exports are forecast to break records at over $72 billion in 2022-23 due to high production and high commodity prices.
• For more information about help available for those affected by floods, visit www.nema.gov.au