As we approach 2025, the Australian agriculture sector is poised to navigate a complex landscape shaped by both domestic and international challenges. The National Farmers Federation (NFF) has highlighted the uncertainty of the 2025 federal election as a primary concern, with critical policies on superannuation tax and regional migration under scrutiny. The potential changes could significantly impact farmers, prompting the NFF to keep a vigilant eye on the political landscape.
In preparation for the upcoming election, the GrainGrowers organization has outlined a wishlist that includes investments in regional housing, telecommunications, biosecurity, and a grain freight strategy. Additionally, the outcome of the US election looms large, with potential implications for the cost of agricultural inputs like pesticides, depending on the policies of the Trump administration.
The Australian agriculture sector is also bracing for regulatory changes, particularly concerning climate and environmental regulations. The EU deforestation regulation and Labor's "nature positive" legislation are on hold but remain significant future considerations. Moreover, the introduction of mandatory climate-related disclosure laws, including the controversial scope 3 emissions reporting, is poised to reshape the industry's sustainability practices.
Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for growth and innovation. The beef industry, for instance, is set to benefit from a record year of production and exports, leveraging Australia's competitive advantage in global markets. Additionally, the adoption of renewable energy and the emergence of farm-appropriate electric vehicles, like the BYD Shark 6 hybrid electric ute, highlights the sector's move towards sustainability.
However, rising production costs and the cost-of-living crisis pose ongoing concerns. The vegetable industry, represented by Ausveg, is advocating for increased investment in advertising to boost consumption of homegrown produce, emphasizing the economic and health benefits of such a shift.
As the Australian agriculture sector looks to 2025, it stands at a crossroads of challenges and opportunities. The industry's leaders are focused on navigating the uncertainties of political and regulatory environments while seizing the potential for innovation and sustainability to ensure the sector's resilience and prosperity.
A 2024 industry sentiment report by Ausveg found that 46% of growers were experiencing workforce shortages. Labor costs were reported to average 38% of a grower's overall cost of production and reached as high as 71%.
Ausveg is calling for a range of measures to ensure vegetable growers can access the workers they need. Coote said this includes a review and streamlining of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme and the Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement, as well as the retention of the 88-day regional work/specified industry requirement for working holiday visa extensions.
Read the full article at The Guardian