Ag committee says Australia needs a Minister For Food

An inquiry into food security has identified a need for a Minister For Food in Australia.

On Thursday, the federal Agriculture Committee released the findings of its year-long inquiry into the nation’s food security, with 35 recommendations, including the new ministry that would sit within the portfolio of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, with responsibility for the development and implementation of the National Food Plan, regular monitoring and updating of the plan, and accountability for achieving outcomes and targets under the plan.

Australian Food Story: Feeding the Nation and Beyond also recommended establishing a National Food Council, developing a National Food Supply Chain Map as well as measures to facilitate innovation in the production of food and to eliminate food waste.

The report also proposed measures to improve sustainability and resilience in the food supply chain, improve access to labour, and reduce food insecurity.

Committee Chair Meryl Swanson said despite Australia being one of the most food secure countries in the world, recent developments both at home and abroad had shown that food security presents real and growing challenges to the nation.

“Food security is not something that any of us can take for granted. COVID-19, floods, the effects of the war in Ukraine, and outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease in Indonesia have highlighted risks to our food system,” she said.

“Systemic change is required so that all Australians, and those that depend on Australian food production, will be food secure.”