1 December 2010
DAFF10/062L
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, today announced a National Food Policy Working Group to advise government on issues and policies affecting Australia’s food chain.
The working group will provide a forum for active communication between the food industry and government to foster a common understanding of the industry’s priorities, challenges and future outlook.
Minister Ludwig said the working group will also provide strategic advice to government on the development of a National Food Plan.
“The Gillard Government is delivering on its election commitment to develop a National Food Plan that will look at the challenges and opportunities across the whole food chain,” Minister Ludwig said.
“Our agricultural sector is in a strong position. 98 per cent of our fresh produce is grown and supplied by our very own farmers.
“But we need to ensure that our food industry adapts to the economic, environmental and consumer driven pressures across the food sector, from the paddock to the plate.
“The National Food Plan aims to deal with these issues and other challenges in the years ahead.
“One important role for the National Food Plan will be to recognise the wide range of work already occurring on food issues and bring this together in one place.”
Minister Ludwig will today chair the first meeting of the National Food Policy Working Group, which includes representation from across the food industry.
“The Gillard Government will seek the views of the working group on policy priorities for the food industry over the coming decade,” Minister Ludwig said.
“We are interested in seeking views from key industry representatives about how the Government can support industry growth and productivity.”
