4 July 2015
I welcome today’s release of the Federal Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper which will help Victorian producers to remain at the forefront of innovation and productivity.
Given the Andrews Labor Government has no plan for agriculture and has abandoned the state’s production targets this White Paper provides a common direction for the future of our food and fibre industries.
It’s great to see the Federal Government recognise the importance of the Macalister Irrigation District (MID) upgrade and the clock is now ticking for the Andrews Government to get on board and support it.
I’m pleased to see that accessing premium export markets is one of the five priority areas of the White Paper and that there is investment earmarked for breaking down technical barriers and improving biosecurity.
The significant investment in research and development will also help Victorian farmers to maintain their competitiveness in the world market.
The White Paper states that more profitable farmers mean a stronger economy – and there is no better example than Victoria and our $11 billion food and fibre industry.
