Meeting of the minds on Queensland grains

Published Friday, 29 November, 2013 at 02:02 PM

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
The Honourable John McVeigh

Agricultural industry leaders will meet in Toowoomba to commence the development of an action plan to drive production, increase resilience and boost profitability of the Queensland grain industry.

Hosted by Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh, the roundtable will discuss the future of grains production in Queensland.

“I have invited all industry leaders and key producers for a wide-ranging discussion about current and future grains research and development, and the role we will all play in reaching our target of doubling agricultural production by 2040,” Mr McVeigh said.

“Today is a step towards developing an action plan for the grains industry.

“Queensland’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries have a production value of around $13.7 billion, employ more than 323,800 people along the food chain, and generates export earnings of more than $8.9 billion.

“This sector is absolutely critical to the ongoing prosperity and growth of Queensland which is why the Newman Government is focussed on developing plans to support grains production increases and to work in unison with industry.

“Today’s meeting is an opportunity for the major players in Queensland grains to sit down and discuss current industry concerns and to have input into the future planning of the industry.

“I want to hear first-hand about industry challenges and discuss ways the Newman Government can help resolve any impediments to driving production, greater resilience and increased profitability.

“Together we will identify where we need to focus and work with industry so that the Queensland grains sector can capitalise on emerging opportunities and increase our global market share.”

Mr McVeigh said there were great opportunities in our region to be seized.

“The period between now and 2040 presents an unprecedented opportunity for the Queensland agricultural sector,” he said.

“The world’s demand for agrifood products, especially in Asia, is due to increase significantly in the coming decades.

“For the grains industry, this means that there are expanding opportunities in Asian markets.

“I recently led a trade mission to Thailand, China and Hong Kong and I am planning to lead further delegations in 2014 that will specifically promote Queensland’s grain production.”

[ENDS] 29 November 2013

Contact: Lachlan Millar 0407 394 580