New advisory council to help develop agriculture into the future

A new ministerial advisory council has been established, to help identify the future challenges and opportunities in Queensland’s agricultural sector.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the Agricultural Ministerial Advisory Council (AgMAC) would be made up of industry leaders and representative bodies.

“The establishment of the AgMAC is yet another election commitment by the Palaszczuk Government that is being put into reality,” Mr Furner said.

“Queensland’s agriculture industry is worth nearly $20 billion, so it’s vital that all parties are on the same path when deciding the future direction of the industry.

“We need to continue to develop our agricultural industry so that our end product remains of the highest quality and is envy of all the world.”

Mr Furner said he hoped AgMAC would lead to greater co-operation and collaboration between the public and private sector.

“AgMAC will be chaired by Dr Beth Woods, Director-General of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries,” he said.

“A representative from the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) and AgForce Queensland Farmers Ltd will sit as permanent members on AgMAC.

“As issues and opportunities are identified, relevant stakeholders with knowledge specific to those areas will be invited to attend the next AgMAC meeting.

“At the end of every meeting a report will be drafted which will help inform future Government policy and Cabinet decisions.”

QFF President Stuart Armitage said industry members were looking forward to working with government to ensure a bright future for Queensland agriculture.

“QFF has been advocating for AgMAC for some time, so it is encouraging that the Queensland Government has recognised this and is backing the sector,” Mr Armitage said.

“Many of the issues impacting on agriculture are complex.

“AgMAC provides a forum to address cross-portfolio challenges and QFF hopes that critical competitiveness and productivity issues, and growth opportunities within the sector are progressed.”

AgForce Queensland Farmers Ltd General President Grant Maudsley said the Agricultural Ministerial Advisory Council was an opportunity for the industry to engage with the Queensland Government and highlight key priorities.

“Demand for our high-quality food and fibre is on the rise, and we hope the advisory council will lead to the development of a strong vision for Queensland agriculture supported by policies and solutions that take our industry forward,” he said.

The first AgMAC meeting will be held next month.

Media contact: Brock Taylor - 0427 018 178