MEDIA STATEMENT: It's National Agriculture Day – Grow You Good Thing!

Published Friday, 15 November, 2024 at 01:05 PM

Minister for Primary Industries
The Honourable Tony Perrett

It's National Agriculture Day – Grow You Good Thing! 

  • Queensland poised to become national leader in food and fibre production
  • $30 million ‘Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund’
  • $12.5 million boost to Mossman’s sugar industry

Marking National Agriculture Day, Queensland’s Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett has reiterated the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to supercharging the state’s agricultural industry. 

With a bold target to boost farm gate output to $30 billion by 2030, Queensland is poised to become a national leader in food and fibre production.

The Crisafulli Government will also strengthen Queensland’s biosecurity frontline, with a $50 million boost including 100 additional biosecurity cops on the beat to build defences against pest and diseases.

A $4.5 million investment in Beef Week 2027 will showcase Queensland’s beef industry and support its continued growth.

The plan also includes increased backing for industry-led best management practices. 

The government remains committed to consulting with stakeholders, ensuring that policy decisions are grounded in scientific evidence and deliver real benefits to Queensland’s farmers, fishers, and timber producers.

National Agriculture Day is led by the National Farmers Federation to celebrate Australia’s produce and the farmers who grow it.  

Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the Crisafulli Government would deliver a fresh start to Queensland’s primary industries sector.  

“Our farmers and regional communities are the backbone of Queensland’s economy,” Minister Perrett said.

“This plan is about unlocking potential, driving investment, and delivering long-term certainty for the sector and we are committed to putting Queensland agriculture first.

“Our vision is clear – a stronger, more resilient, and innovative agricultural sector that benefits every Queenslander. 

“From our sugar cane fields to the timber industry, and from biosecurity to AgTech, we’re delivering a comprehensive plan for the future of Queensland agriculture. 

“This strategy is designed to support every sector of our diverse industry, bringing long-term prosperity to our rural and regional communities.” 

 

Further Information: 
Key priorities of the new strategy include:

Growing Queensland’s Farm Output: The state aims to reach a $30 billion farm gate output by 2030, supported by a focus on increasing productivity, expanding market access, and fostering innovation across the agricultural sector.

Driving Innovation: A $30 million ‘Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund’ will back Queensland-first projects, promoting new technologies and techniques to future-proof the industry. This initiative will support next-generation farmers and boost AgTech adoption.

Supporting Regional Communities: A $12.5 million investment in Mossman’s sugar industry will secure the future of the region, including guarantees for cane transport, ensuring the 2025 harvest proceeds smoothly and benefits local growers.

Support for fishing sectors: Support Queensland's commercial and recreational fishing sectors by only legislating scientifically backed changes to regulation, with compulsory regulatory impact statements, and fairly compensating all fishers for any changes required. 

Strengthening Biosecurity Frontlines: With a $50 million boost in biosecurity funding, the government will deploy 100 new staff to regional communities, to build capability to safeguard against pests and diseases.

Investing in Queensland Timber: The government will work with stakeholders to deliver a landmark Queensland Timber Action Plan, ensuring a strong supply of timber for future housing needs, contributing to the goal of building one million homes by 2044.

Boosting Agricultural Skills: Collaboration with industry and higher education providers will focus on equipping the workforce with skills for future AgTech jobs, ensuring Queensland leads in agricultural innovation. 

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Amanda Templeton 0417 657 437