Australian families rely on farmers for affordable food, yet our food supply chains are vulnerable to global shocks, extreme weather, and rising input costs – all which threaten our food security. We need a national strategy to safeguard supply chains, manage risks, and ensure agriculture is prioritised in policy decisions.

Despite being a food secure country, 1 in 3 Australian households are experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity. Without careful management, this number could grow.

The National Food Security Preparedness Strategy would ensure government and industry work together to manage risks and keep food affordable for all Australians.

Rising costs and over regulation are driving up the cost of farming and that’s directly impacting supermarket prices. There are simple solutions to ease the red tape and cost burden. We need to:

• Abandon the proposed ‘Super Tax’ on family farms
• Protect the Fuel Tax Credit scheme
• A legislative right to repair for farm machinery
• Strengthen Australia’s defences against biosecurity threats
• Boost the watchdog ACCC’s resourcing for the fresh food supply chain

Farmers are Australia’s environmental stewards. Farmers have shown strong leadership in sustainability, having reduced emissions by 65% since 1990 while increasing productivity. But they need the right policies to balance sustainability with growing the food and fibre we rely on. We need:

• Stronger pest control and practical water management
• Fair treatment for farmers in the energy transition
• Funding to establish functioning nature repair markets
• A clear national plan for sustainable agriculture
• Sensible reform to environmental laws

Worker shortages and poor migration policy are holding back farm productivity. We also need to look after our people. Farm safety remains critically underfunded and the mental health crisis in farming communities is at a tipping point. Farmers die by suicide at twice the rate of other working Australians, reflecting the unique pressures of agricultural life. We need:

• A dedicated agricultural visa
• Retaining backpackers and a more flexible PALM scheme
• Investment in farm safety and mental health
• Support for an agricultural apprenticeship and the farm gap year program

Australian farmers feed and clothe Australia and the world, exporting over 70% of what they produce. Being an export dependent industry means secure and competitive access to international markets is critical, but rising protectionism and global volatility threatens our future. We need:

• Strong trade diplomacy and market access initiatives
• Repeal of the live sheep export ban
• Long-term investment in trade and market development

Regional Australia continues to grow following the pandemic-induced tree-change movement. But investment isn’t keeping pace, creating housing shortages, and services like childcare, healthcare and education struggling to meet demand. Regional digital connectivity and transport infrastructure need significant upgrades to support the growing demand. We need:

• Better roads and freight infrastructure
• Reliable mobile and internet connectivity
• Tax solutions for farmworker accommodation
• Investment in childcare centres
• Sustainable water infrastructure