The National Farmers’ Federation’s (NFF) Australian Agriculture Trade Diversification Representative, Su McCluskey, will travel to Indonesia this week for her first international engagement.
Hosted by the NFF, the Representative provides a ‘whole-of-sector’ agricultural voice across international trade engagements to support Australian agriculture industries in pursuing trade diversification opportunities in new and existing markets. The role is funded through the Federal Government’s Accessing New Markets Initiative, delivered by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission.
Ms McCluskey said Indonesia was a natural focus for her first international engagement as the Australian Agriculture Trade Diversification Representative.
“Indonesia is one of Australia’s most important agricultural partners, with strong relationships and complementary agricultural sectors creating significant opportunities for both countries,” Ms McCluskey said.
“Trade diversification is about investing in these relationships, understanding what our trading partners need and identifying where Australian agriculture can provide value over the long term as a safe, reliable and secure supplier of food and fibre products.
Ms McCluskey will be joined by representatives from the Australian grains and livestock export sectors, including NFF members GrainGrowers and Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council, as well as representatives from Meat and Livestock Australia. They will attend meetings and site visits across grains and animal feed, livestock, dairy and horticulture facilities, as well as engagement with Indonesian Government industry representatives.
“Indonesia is a market where we already have strong agricultural ties, but there is considerable potential to deepen those relationships and identify new opportunities,” Ms McCluskey said.
Importantly, the agricultural trade relationship is two-way, supporting the food security and agricultural priorities of both nations.
This was clearly demonstrated earlier this year when Indonesia helped secure critical supplies of urea fertiliser for Australian farmers during a period of significant global supply disruption. These suppliers ensured Australian producers can continue to supply food and fibre to our regional partners and global customers.
Comments attributable to Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council CEO Mark Harvey-Sutton:
“Our live export partnership with Indonesia is built on decades of strong relationships, mutual trust and shared interests, delivering benefits well beyond the trade in cattle.
“Australian livestock contribute to Indonesia’s growing food production and beef supply chains, while the partnership supports jobs, investment and economic activity in communities across both countries.
“Visits such as this provide an important opportunity to strengthen understanding of the trade on the ground, see the contribution Australian cattle are making to Indonesia’s food and agricultural sector, and reinforce the strong people-to-people and business relationships that underpin this important partnership.”
Comments attributable to GrainGrowers Director Fiona Marshall:
“Indonesia is one of Australia’s biggest grain export markets and this visit is an opportunity to strengthen the relationships between Australian growers, exporters and Indonesian customers.
“Australian grain has a reputation for being reliable and high quality, and this exchange will help us better understand how our grain can continue to support Indonesian food security and long-term economic growth.”