6 years ago
Agriculture and related industries recognised and celebrated
Luke Hartsuyker MP
Minister Hartsuyker celebrates the inaugural National Agriculture and Related Industries Day.
The day is about getting much-deserved recognition for our $60 billion agriculture sector.
Today (21 November) is the first nationwide celebration of Australia’s agriculture and related industries, which contribute so much to individuals, communities, our nation and the world.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Luke Hartsuyker, today took part in events supporting National Agriculture and Related Industries Day and said every single Australian is benefiting from our farmers’ efforts.
“Today is about spreading the word and putting the facts and figures out there to show the size and scale of Australian agriculture’s contribution,” Minister Hartsuyker said.
“It’s a sector that continues to perform year on year and is one of the cornerstones of the Australian economy with the value of Australian agricultural production exceeding $60 billion for the first time in 2016–17.
“The total value of Australian farm exports have increased by $7 billion over the past six years—from $38 billion in 2012–13 to a forecast $45.2 billion in 2017–18.
“Agriculture is the lifeblood of many rural and regional communities, with agriculture and affiliated industries providing jobs to around 12 million Australians.
“The Coalition Government is a strong supporter of our agriculture sector, backed by our $4 billion dollar investment in the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper.
“National Agriculture and Related Industries Day is about getting much-deserved recognition for our agriculture sector and related industries, such as transport and rural supplies businesses, stock and station agents and accountants.
“We want Australians to stop for a moment as they tuck into their breakfast, lunch or dinner, and think about the efforts of those who produced their meal.
“Our farmers are world class and feeding people the world over—and our premium produce is well sought after.
“Today is a time to recognise their efforts and their contribution to thriving regional communities, the national economy and a better way of life for all.”
Fast facts
In 2016–2017 the value of Australian agricultural production exceeded $60 billion for the first time.
The total value of Australian farm exports increased by $7 billion over the past six years—from $38 billion in 2012–13 to a forecast $45.2 billion in 2017–18.
In the most recent National Accounts figures, nothing added more to our GDP growth in the last year than agriculture.