Boosting agriculture

The Government is helping to build a more profitable, resilient and sustainable agriculture sector

The Government is helping farm businesses get more access to overseas markets.

Supporting agriculture

Agriculture is a vital part of the Australian economy, exporting over $40 billion of goods annually. This Budget builds on the Government’s $4 billion Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to ensure the sector remains as competitive as possible.

The Government has appointed five additional agricultural counsellors in key markets. These counsellors will help negotiate access arrangements which will build on opportunities created by export trade agreements with China, Japan and Korea.

The $1.2 billion White Paper on Developing Northern Australia includes a $100 million Beef Roads Programme to ensure that farmers can get their cattle to markets. This also includes a $75 million Cooperative Research Centre for Northern Australia that will identify opportunities for research that can benefit industries in northern Australia, including agriculture.

Fairer competition

The 2016-17 Budget improves the $13.8 million Farm Cooperatives and Collaboration Pilot Programme to help farmers develop their trade capabilities.

The new ACCC Agriculture Commissioner has begun work to encourage fair trading and stronger competition in agricultural supply chains.

A new country of origin labelling scheme from 1 July 2016 will ensure consumers are not misled about the origin of the food they buy.

Resilient farmers

Enhancements to the Farm Management Deposit Scheme will allow primary producers to set aside greater cash reserves in good years and make it easier to access in low income years.

The Government is also providing $7.1 million to fund additional Rural Financial Counsellors who will provide free financial advice to farmers in drought-affected areas.