July 27, 2014
Federal Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd says the first consultation stage of the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper process has recently concluded, and the Federal Government is now considering the issues identified during that process.
“This will help the government develop a better understanding of issues related to agricultural competitiveness and create a more competitive agriculture sector,” Mr O’Dowd said on Friday.
“The White Paper aims to identify pathways and approaches for growing farm profitability and boosting agriculture’s contribution to economic growth, trade, innovation and productivity.”
He said stakeholders in Flynn were included in the consultations which were conducted in 34 regional and metropolitan centres throughout Australia.
“I was very pleased that local farmers and other interested stakeholders in Flynn were able to discuss the issues facing them and identify their ideas for improving the competitiveness of our agriculture sector.
“I thank those who participated,” Mr O’Dowd said.
Some of the key themes arising from the Flynn consultation included:
- The competition local farmers faces in the international marketplace from subsidised overseas produce
- Redefining what it means to have a viable farm
- Staffing challenges including sourcing staff for the rural sector and the need for a more structured career pathway for farming professionals; and
- Drought preparedness and mitigation.
The Green Paper, the next stage in the process, will be released in coming weeks.
More information about the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, and the public submissions, is available online
