Australia Unveils National Food Plan Designed to Boost Country’s Food Exports by 45% in 2025 to Help Feed China
The Australian government plans to increase its food exports by $13.5 billion or by boosting the value of agriculture and food-related product by 45 per cent. The aim is to help feed China's non-stop booming population.
"The rise of Asia is transforming the world. By 2050 world food consumption is expected to be 75 per cent higher than in 2007, and almost half of this increased demand will come from China alone. Australia will never be able to put food on every table in Asia, but an expanding Asian middle class offers an important opportunity for Australia's food industry," Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig said on Saturday.
Under the ambitious National Food Plan released by Mr Ludwig, Australia would export $29.4 billion of food per year and produce enough to feed the country's 23 million twice over.
He said Australia will be promoted for its clean, green and quality produce.
"Brand Australia will get more of our farmers' food on to plates around the world ... We're going to make sure the Aussie mark is on our goods overseas, getting a high price for our food and capturing more of the market," he said.
But he said competition will be fierce and Australia must work to seize the opportunity and build on its strengths such as nearness to Asia as well as the skills and capabilities of the local workforce.
To make those goals a reality, Mr Ludwig said $28.5 million is being allotted for an Asian Food Markets Research Fund, another $5.6 million to give agriculture a stronger, government endorsed voice in key markets and $2 million to develop an Australian recognised food brand.