‘Too early to tell’ virus impact: Farmer group

Queensland farmers have been urged to have a back-up plan as while they assess the effect of the coronavirus crisis on their business.

QUEENSLAND farmers “significantly exposed” to the coronavirus crisis have recorded lower demand for products, but the state’s peak industry group insists domestic food security is not at risk.

Congested shipping ports across Asia has created havoc for Australian producers attempting to export their products.

Queensland Farmers Federation CEO Georgina Davis said Queensland’s live coral trout trade and lobster into China had slowed, but companies had sourced other markets including Japan and India.

Dr Davis said it was too early to quantify the long-term effect coronavirus may have on the global economy and Queensland agriculture.

“Queensland Farmers Federation and the Queensland Government is closely monitoring the effects of COVID-19 on Queensland’s agriculture sector, which is significantly exposed, including the potential impacts to the state’s food, fibre and foliage producers and exporters,” she said.

“The immediate impact has seen the trade in live coral trout and lobster into China stall although new markets have been sourced, if this trade remains disrupted, this will have a major effect on the viability of some Queensland fishers.

“With Queensland’s quality agricultural produce being successfully exported to a wide range of countries, most significantly Japan and India, our industries including horticulture, dairy, grain, pulses and meat may also see adverse effects as a result of the disease.

“Importantly, Queensland and indeed Australia produces a wide range of fresh foods meaning that domestic food security is not at risk.”

Queensland Farmers' Federation CEO Georgina Davis. Photo: Mark Cranitch.

Despite the coronavirus outbreak Queensland primary producers are enjoying renewed spirits, with the latest quarterly Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey revealing recent widespread rain has catapulted sentiment to the most positive in Australia.

After up to seven years of drought in areas of the state, Queensland has recorded the most dramatic turnaround in sentiment in the survey’s history, a net reading of 44 per cent, up from a negative reading of -18 per cent last quarter.

A total of 57 per cent of Queensland producers now have a positive outlook on the coming year, up from just 19 per cent in late 2019.

Meaningful rain events across much of the state, coupled with strong commodity prices, have driven this new-found surge in optimism.

Dr Davis called on the government to monitor workforce availability and consider extending visas for seasonal workers as travel bans for COVID-19-affected countries are enforced.

Australian farmers are urged to have a back-up plan to protect their supply chain as the coronavirus crisis continues.

She also encouraged farms and processing facilities to create a continuity plan to address

supply chain and animal welfare issues if they arise.

“We also ask that farmers don’t panic buy,” she said.

“We appreciate that some chemicals are manufactured in China and demand for fertilisers and herbicides is rising based on increasing confidence and plantings stimulated by the widespread rain.

“There are enough products to go around as long as farmers only purchase what they need and do not stockpile, more products are on-route and local manufacturing is ramping up.”