The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has joined industry colleagues and Australian Government officials on a week-long mission to strengthen ties with key South-East Asian partners.
NFF Interim Chief Executive Su McCluskey is taking part in the Food Security Mission to Indonesia and Brunei, led by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) this week.
Ms McCluskey said strong and respectful regional relationships with countries such as Indonesia and Brunei were critical to Australian farmers.
“For decades, Australian agriculture has invested heavily in building and maintaining these partnerships. Not only is it the right thing to do for regional security, it underpins shared goals in trade, food security and biosecurity,” Ms McCluskey said.
“Over the past five years, Australian agricultural exports to Southeast Asia have almost doubled, with annual trade often surpassing $15 billion. Around a quarter of all Australian agricultural exports now go to the region.”
Ms McCluskey said the bilateral relationships with Indonesia and Brunei continue to strengthen.
“Indonesian and Australian agriculture are critical partners, with two-way trade in agricultural, fisheries and forestry products over $5.5 billion annually. Indonesia is Australia’s fifth largest export destination.”
“While trade with Brunei is much smaller, including in products like red meat and dairy, the relationship is growing stronger through the Australia – Brunei Darussalam Joint Declaration Comprehensive Partnership, which identifies trade and food security as key pillars.
“These relationships not only diversify Australian agri-exports, they also support the food security ambitions of our regional neighbours,” Ms McCluskey said.
However, Ms McCluskey said while these issues are important, ultimately it’s the people-to-people connections that truly underpin the goodwill between our nations.
“The NFF, along with our members in the red meat, live export, grains, horticulture and other sectors, regularly visit or host delegations to show the value we place on these relationships.”
Recent examples include AgForce and Cattle Australia hosting the Indonesian Ambassador on cattle properties in western Queensland, and the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association continuing its long-running program for Indonesian students to experience the Australian pastoral industry.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also appointed Australian business leader Dr Nur Rahman as a Business Champion last year to advance Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 with Brunei.
“These are some examples that build on a swath of other programs and investments delivered through the sector’s Rural Research and Development Corporations.
“As highlighted in Nicholas Moore AO’s report Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, demand for Australian food and agricultural products remains strong. Indonesia alone is projected to see a fourfold increase in food consumption from 2009 to 2050.
“This growth supports trade opportunities for Australian businesses while contributing to regional food security. The Moore report underscores the strong potential for Australia and its Southeast Asian partners to continue building on this success.
“The NFF recognises the need for industry and Government to work hand-in-hand to deepen ties in the region and this mission is an excellent opportunity to do just that.”
Stacey Davidson
Ashleigh Whittaker