April 17, 2020
The latest ABARES report has confirmed Australia has one of the most secure food supplies in the world and is not at risk because of COVID-19.
Australia’s Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Science (ABARES) says Australia ranks in the top 10 per cent of countries under the Global Food Security Index, as defined by the World Food Summit.
The index measures 34 criteria covering affordability, availability, quality and safety.
“Australia will always have enough food. We produce far more food than we consume. COVID-19 does not change that,” Agriculture Minister and Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said.
“We remain a net exporter of food. We export 70 per cent of our agricultural production.
“In terms of specific commodities – that’s 76 per cent of our beef and veal, 71 per cent of our wheat and 41 per cent of our dairy products being exported.
“A surge in demand had an impact on the availability of some of our favourite products on supermarket shelves. Shoppers were stockpiling and supply chains had to adjust.
“This is not an indication of food shortages.
“I’m glad to see the disruption is abating and (the) ABARES report leaves no room for alarm.
“Ensuring Australia’s food security is one of the government’s top priorities. It’s a key part of $320 billion of measures to deal with the impacts of COVID-19.
“We’ve implemented strategies that include maintaining agriculture’s service and supply lines, extending work visas, and providing air freight support.”
