At a glance
PDF [1mb]What we do
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) develops and implements policies and programs that ensure Australia’s agricultural, fisheries, food and forestry industries remain competitive, profitable and sustainable.
Our policies and programs:
- encourage and support sustainable natural resource use and management in a changing environment
- promote productivity, innovation and competition in primary production and the food industry
- help improve market access and market performance for the agricultural and food sector
- manage pest and disease risks and protect the health and safety of plant and animal industries
- provide research support for agricultural, fisheries, food and forestry industries.
The department has over 4000 staff in Australia and overseas. This includes policy officers, program administrators, scientists, economists, meat inspectors, veterinary officers and quarantine inspectors.
Our departmental outcome is:
Australian agricultural, fisheries, food and forestry industries that are based on the sustainable management of and access to natural resources, are more competitive, self-reliant and innovative, have increased access to markets, are protected from diseases and are underpinned by scientific advice and economic research.
Our finances in 2008–09
|
Type |
Amount |
Delivered |
|---|---|---|
|
Departmental appropriation |
$349 million |
|
|
External revenue |
$887 million |
Levy collection |
|
Administered appropriations |
$1742 million |
Programs addressing drought, climate change, fishing, forestry, regional food producers innovation and productivity, Caring for our Country and contributions to industry research |
Our role and functions
To achieve our outcome, the department undertakes activities throughout the entire supply chain from producer to consumer.
We:
- work with the wider Australian Government to develop and deliver policies and programs that help our agriculture, fisheries, forestry and food industries
- deliver Australian Government programs and services to all sections of the community
- provide independent research, policy analysis, forecasts and advice on economic issues affecting our agriculture, fisheries, forestry and food industries
- protect and develop the natural resource base on which portfolio industries rely
- negotiate access to international markets for our agriculture, fisheries, forestry and food industries
- represent the Australian Government at international meetings relating to agriculture, fisheries, forestry and food issues
- provide independent scientific advice, social analysis and science-based quarantine and policy advice
- provide quarantine and inspection services and export certification that maintains Australia’s favorable pest and disease status.
08 Oct 2009