Statement from Greg Hunt, CEO, Nufarm

The Australian Government’s planned national Food Security Preparedness Strategy announced this week is a welcome step towards strengthening our food security and supporting Australian farmers. The Feeding Australia $3.5 million pre-election commitment recognises the need for a more resilient supply chain and a long-term plan to keep our agricultural sector strong in an unpredictable world.

We know that farmers need reliable access to essential inputs like seed, fertiliser and crop protection products to keep their businesses running. Right now, Australia depends heavily on imports for critical supplies, leaving farmers exposed to global disruptions. Supporting local manufacturing of agricultural crop protection solutions through a fairer policy approach that recognises the value of local production, will help secure the long-term future of sovereign manufacturing of these inputs, ensuring farmers can continue producing the crops we all rely on. Strengthening local production and backing our local industries doesn’t just help farmers — it makes Australia more self-sufficient and protects our national food security.

The Government’s commitment to examine the potential to grow a biofuels feedstock industry also highlights the potential of Australian agriculture to help drive the shift to low-carbon energy. Today’s announcement to deliver $250 million in grant funding to accelerate the development of a local low-carbon liquid fuels industry is a significant step in the right direction. This investment will help support pre-commercial innovation, demonstration and deployment needed to support biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel production in Australia—reducing our reliance on imported fuels and unlocking new opportunities for farmers to supply feedstocks like Carinata. Crops like Nufarm's Carinata, a non-food sustainable oilseed grown specifically for biofuel, are a great example of how farming can support the development of cleaner fuels. Australia has the land, resources, and expertise to grow the feedstocks needed for renewable fuels, reducing our reliance on imported energy and opening up new opportunities for farmers.

The government’s plan to set up a National Food Council gives industry a real chance to have a say in shaping the future of food and fuel production.

Australia has already proven it is in a great position to lead the way in sustainable agriculture, renewable fuels, and homegrown manufacturing. With the right support, we can make sure farmers are at the heart of a strong, sustainable, and self-sufficient future.