Creating a stronger farming, fisheries and forestry sector

The Morrison Government will back the agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries with a new multi-million dollar plan to create jobs, grow regional centres and back our farmers.

 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia’s future economic and jobs growth relies on these vital sectors remaining strong.

 

“We have a plan to continue growing agriculture, fisheries and forestry that will help the sector hit $100 billion farm gate output by 2030,” Mr Morrison said. 

 

“On our watch the value of production in primary industries is up 25 per cent and the value of exports is up 29 per cent to $53 billion.

 

“The sector currently employs more than 250,000 Australians and importantly feeds the nation while contributing significantly to our economic success.”

 

The Morrison Government’s plan for growing agriculture, fisheries and forestry will:

 

·       Tackle barriers to growth and productivity;

·       Provide the water needed for growth and drought-proofing;

·       Tackle intergenerational land transfer and encourage new farmers;

·       Expand exports and improve market access; and

·       Get the balance right for our fisheries and forestry industries.

 

To make this plan a reality the Morrison Government has today announced:

 

·       $2 million concessional AgriStarter Loans for new farmers to help them purchase a majority share or total share of a farm;

·       An additional $10 million to tackle pests and weeds in drought-affected communities;

·       $500 million of new concessional loans to unlock the potential of our forestry industry;

·       $1.9 million for a new National Agricultural Workforce Strategy, supported by an Agricultural Labour Advisory Committee;

·       $3.5 million Farm Safety Education Fund to support activities that address on-farm safety issues.

·       A new 2030 Protected Horticulture Strategy to build more support for export industries 

This builds on the announcements we have already made including continuing to help our farmers tackle, recover and prepare for drought and our plan for the fisheries sector.

Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud said young people often didn’t have the capital or equity to buy a farm. 

“I’ve always said one of my jobs as Agriculture Minister is to help get young people into farming,” Minister Littleproud said. 

“We’ve given the Rural Investment Corporation the green light to create a loan product specifically to help young farmers enter the industry. 

“We need to give our rural people a reason to stay home or come home and this will help do that.”

Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Richard Colbeck said the  plan would provide confidence for Aussie foresters and fishers.

"Our Government is backing jobs in Australia's growing forestry and fishing industries and securing their futures.

"We're also supporting Australian recreational fishers with more opportunities to put a line in with their families and enjoy this special part of our way of life.

"We are getting the balance right for our fishing and forestry industries.

 “The protected horticulture strategy will make a big contribution towards de-risking that sector of agriculture and towards growing our horticultural industries.”

We have provided $8 million for fisheries habitat restoration, and $20 million to support recreational fishing facilities.

Our strong budget management has allowed us to boost exports, providing $29.4 million in the 2019-20 Budget to back exports.

 

To future-proof our national water requirements and provide the water needed for drought proofing, we will create a new statutory authority – the National Water Grid.

 

This authority will be responsible for strategic planning and project management for water infrastructure, planning and projects right across the nation.

 

A re-elected Morrison Government will deliver the Murray Darling Basin Plan in full to give Basin communities certainty, and recognise the continued importance of agriculture in the Basin. We will commission the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to undertake a review of southern Basin water markets. 

 

We have provided $8 million for fisheries habitat restoration, and $20 million to support recreational fishing facilities.

 

We are continuing to implement the National Forest Industries Plan, delivering 20-year extensions to Regional Forestry Agreements, and providing $500 million in plantation development concessional loans.

 

We are getting the balance right for our fish and forestry industries.

 

Only a re-elected Morrison Government will continue to create jobs and support these vital industries through our plan for a stronger economy.