Aussie farmers and the agri supply chain are doing more with less using advances in science and technology.
Today on National Agriculture Day, CBA’s Agri Commodities Strategist Tobin Gorey says there’s good reason to celebrate the global success of Australian agriculture and how it benefits our economy.
“Despite trying times for some, Australian agriculture is plugging into consumers’ demand for more and better food, particularly in emerging markets. Australian exports to China, for instance, are growing strongly – the past five years have seen the value of grain exports double, and meat and dairy exports more than triple, with horticultural exports more than six times what they were five years ago,” Mr Gorey said.
Speaking about this year’s theme #GrowForGood, CBA’s Executive General Manager of Regional and Agribusiness Banking, Grant Cairns, said people in the agriculture industry are not just growing produce, they’re growing businesses and communities, ideas and partnerships.
“Australia’s agribusiness sector is strong and resilient, incredibly innovative and simply inspiring. What I see from farmers is the incredible focus on innovation and driving better yields and productivity to ultimately feed a growing population and generate more economic growth for Australia and employment for Australians,” Mr Cairns said.
The government forecasts the value of Australia’s agricultural production for 2018-19 at $60 billion, well on the way to the industry target of $100 billion by 2030, he said.
“Week in, week out, the farmers I meet are facing down challenges from climate change to getting the internet to work. They are creating opportunities from developing entirely new products to offering jobs in their communities.
“Of course, what we’re really hoping for is an end to the drought, but in the meantime, we’ll keep working closely with customers and doing what we can. For today, what we can do is say ‘thank you’ to every person running or working on a farm or in any of the many sectors that keep our agribusiness industry moving,” Mr Cairns said.
National Agriculture Day celebrates the farm sector and today many of our regional branches and centres are hosting BBQs to mark the day.
Follow #AgDayAU on LinkedIn to read more about pioneers and champions of Ag industry.