Victoria Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh

COALITION TO PLACE FOOD SECURITY AT THE CABINET TABLE

Victor P Taffa

A new Agriculture and Food Security portfolio will make food security a core focus of a Liberal Nationals Coalition Government, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Deputy Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh said today.

 Mr. Walsh said the new Food Security portfolio would ensure food producers received the support, recognition and investment that they deserved.

“Under a Coalition Government food security will be given the highest importance at a ministerial level and at the Cabinet table, alongside portfolios such as health and education.” Mr. Walsh said.

“The Coalition is committed to providing a greater investment of resources, backed by policies, to support our food producing communities.”

“We have already announced that we will create a Regional Advisory Group that will not only provide advice on regional development but will also ensure government legislation and regulations take the needs of all Victorian food producing communities into account.” Mr. Walsh said.

“We will also place a greater emphasis on educating consumers and young people in schools about where food comes from.”

Mr. Walsh said over the past 11 years Labor had undermined food producers by adopting policies that compromised food security, and by failing to meet its own targets on food and fibre production.

“The Brumby Government has shown contempt for food producers.” Mr. Walsh said.

“John Brumby is sending irrigation water to Melbourne, he has axed funding and staff for vital research and development and is strangling food producers in red tape.”

“Food and Fibre Exports have slumped to $6.7 Billion since Labor was re-elected in 2006, a long way from the $12 Billion it promised by 2010.” Mr. Walsh said.

“During that time the government has produced at least three food strategies, and is working on another one in an attempt to cover up its failure to meet its election commitments.”

“Victorian food producers deserve more than meaningless platitudes and strategies.”

“A Coalition Government will provide Victoria’s food producers with policy that supports them and a Minister who understands them.” Mr. Walsh said.

Western Australia Minister for Agriculture and Food Terry Redman

Premium Food and Wine Trade on Agenda in China

Victor P Taffa

Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman will promote trade opportunities for Western Australian wine, food and fibre during a Nine-Day visit to China.

Mr. Redman said China was the State’s second biggest market for agricultural products and exciting opportunities existed to boost exports to the growing economy.

“During the past five years, China has experienced some of the fastest rates of economic growth in the world.” the Minister said.

“This market holds great growth potential and given our proximity to China, we need to take advantage of the opportunities it presents for WA farmers and industry.”

WA’s Agriculture and Fisheries exports to China and Hong Kong are valued at about $826 Million annually, led by bulk commodities such as wool, barley and wheat.

The Minister said China’s growing middle class had led to rising demand for specialist products such as gourmet foods, wine, lamb and dairy.

“This State already has a solid reputation as a supplier of food, fibre and forestry products to China and I am keen to position WA as a key supplier of premium agrifood products to the market.” Mr. Redman said.

During the trip, from June 26 to July 4, the delegation will meet senior government representatives and business leaders in Shanghai and Beijing as well as Zhejiang, Shandong and Liaoning Provinces.

Mr Redman will also represent the State Government in official functions, including the Shanghai World Expo 2010 and Celebrate WA Luncheon.

“It is hoped that a WA presence at the World Expo will act as a catalyst to further promote our agrifood Sector in Shanghai.” Mr. Redman said.

The Minister will meet leading researchers from the Zheijang Department of Agriculture and Zheijang University to explore research links in wheat, barley and lupins which could help facilitate future grain trade.