Celebrating National Ag Day

Today, on National Ag Day, we celebrate the people behind Australia’s great agriculture industry, and the important role it plays in our economy, food security and rural workforce.

Held on the third Friday of November, National Ag Day recognises the 262,000 people directly employed in the industry that keeps Australians fed and clothed.

The Albanese Government stands alongside farmers and producers to protect and grow the sector by opening more trade doors, addressing biosecurity threats and a changing climate, and investing in programs to reach industry’s goal of becoming a $100 billion sector by 2030.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt said National Ag Day was an opportunity for Aussies to thank our farmers, farm workers and all supply chain members and learn more about agriculture.

“Our agriculture industry is an industry all Australians should be proud of,” Minister Watt said.

“Australian ag is already known for producing some of the highest-quality produce in the world, but our farmers continue to go above and beyond to innovate the industry.

“Many young people are looking for careers that involve technology and sustainability, and agriculture fits both. Whether you want to work on the land, in a lab or from an office the agriculture sector has something for everyone.

“The ag sector is a major source of jobs in rural and regional Australia, and the Albanese Government hopes to see numbers keep rising through the introduction of fee-free TAFE – which saw another 9,500 ag-related course enrolments this year.

“This year’s theme of ‘Grow you good thing’ aligns with our commitment to support the industry as it grows in value and quality.

“The Albanese Government has delivered nearly $3 billion in extra funding since being elected to protect and grow our agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries, despite a tight fiscal environment.

“This includes our commitment to sustainable biosecurity funding, which locks in $1 billion worth of new funding over the next four years, and our $300 million investment in sustainable agriculture to help farmers adapt to climate change and support the transition to net zero.”