Issues paper to inform development of a national food plan

June 2011 

Foreword

The global food market is rapidly changing and facing new challenges. At home, through utilising innovation and trade we have benefited from a vibrant food industry. With the changing face of international food markets Australia must position itself to manage future risks, but equally, to reap future gains.

Our nation’s food supply is secure, and we need to remain vigilant in protecting that food security in the years to come. At the same time we want to ensure our food industry can make the most of the rapidly developing market opportunities for food industry goods and services, especially in Asia.

For these reasons, I am mindful of the need to maintain a long-term outlook for our food industry so it remains sustainable and resilient to climate variability and other significant pressures.

The sector will need to continually adapt to such challenges.

Australia’s natural innovation forms a solid foundation for businesses, governments and non-government groups to meet emerging challenges and opportunities for both food suppliers and each of us as food consumers.

At the 2010 election, the Gillard Government committed to developing a national food plan. The development of the food plan must start with a community discussion about our food and the issues affecting it. In seeking feedback from stakeholders on what the plan should aim to achieve, I have prepared this Issues paper to inform development of a national food plan in collaboration with my ministerial colleagues.

There are currently many government policies, programs and regulations to address food-related policy issues, as outlined in this paper.  There is, however, no overarching food policy framework. The development of a national food plan will address this need by better integrating food policy along the whole food supply chain—from paddock to plate.

Individuals, businesses, governments, non-government groups and communities all contribute to Australia’s food sector. Developing a national food plan gives us an opportunity to talk about our collective vision for Australia’s food sector and to identify how we can ensure its continued success.

State, territory and local governments play an important role in the supply and consumption of food. As we develop and implement the plan and other policy initiatives, I will continue working closely with ministerial colleagues across Australia for the long-term benefit of our food industry and food consumers.
I would like to acknowledge my ministerial colleagues and their departments who contributed to this issues paper. I also acknowledge the time, vision and insights of the Food Policy Working Group, which continues to advise the government generally on food-related issues and policies.

Finally, I want to repeat that the government wants your feedback to help it create Australia’s national food plan. I look forward to hearing your views.

Senator the Hon. Joe Ludwig
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Senator for Queensland

Submissions for the issues paper consultation closed on Friday 2 September 2011

You can find more information by visiting the website.