Minister Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, visits Emerald cotton farm

A recent release of new figures has found that agricultural exports will hit a record $65 billion in value in 2022-23. Here’s what it means for Central Queensland

A recent release of new figures has found that agricultural exports will hit a record $65 billion in value in 2022-23.

It is also expected that the agriculture, fishing and forestry sectors will be worth more than $80 billion for a second year in a row as $500 million investment targets better returns for farmers.

Freshly appointed Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Murray Watt was in Emerald on in early June to check in with locals.

This was Minister Watt’s first farm visit since his time in the role and he spent time in Emerald visiting Barwins cotton farm to discuss the government’s stance on biosecurity hazards, the lack of people in the labour industry and how farmers could get more value from their produce.

“I’m pleased to report that the latest agricultural commodities report by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences predicts record exports worth $65 billion in 2022-23 and a second consecutive year of more than $80 billion in production,” Mr Watt said.

“We are expecting our forestry and fishing sectors also to perform well, with the total value of the four industries forecast to be $86.2 billion, just below the record result for 2021-22.

“But rising costs and access to farm labour and imported machinery will continue to challenge many Australian farm businesses.

“We understand this and that’s why I’ve identified these issues as key priorities for me, as the new Minister.

“The government will strengthen the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme to help overcome labour shortages, but there is also much more we can do to attract Australian workers to regional areas and retain them.

“I’ll be working closely with my Cabinet colleagues to ensure that regions benefit from the new government’s increased emphasis on training up local workers.”

Biosecurity issues that affect Australian cattle and cattle in Indonesia were also discussed.

“I’ve been briefed by Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Mark Schipp upon his return from Indonesia, where there are worrying outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease in cattle right now,” Minister Watt said.

“I’m working closely with experts and stakeholders to ensure that we have the right protections in place and continue to make the right biosecurity investments – at home and offshore.”

Mr Watt would like to see the wheat and cattle not only grown in Australia but the flour made in Australia, the cakes and biscuits from that flour made here, and the cattle produced here for meat, processed and packaged in the country.

(Left to right) Owner of “Barwin” cotton farm Emerald, Ross Burnett, and Minister Murray Watt.

“As well as protecting the industry, we want to help farmers derive more value from their produce through value adding and innovation,” he said.

“We want Australia to not only grow the wheat but also make the flour, biscuits and cakes and process and package meat for domestic and international markets.

“That’s why we will invest $500 million through our National Reconstruction Fund to encourage farmers to create more food products in Australia, in addition to selling raw commodities overseas.

“Australian agriculture is on track for another record-breaking year, and the new government will be doing everything we can to support it with continued innovation, value adding and increased decarbonisation efforts.”

Minister Watt also spent time with globally recognised farming technology inventors SwarmFarm Robotics, at a cattle saleyards, and a cotton gin.

He travelled with AgForce general president Georgie Somerset, Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay, National Farmers’ Federation president Fiona Simson and CEO, Tony Mahar.

(Top to bottom, left to right) Cotton Australia chair, Nigel Burnett, owner of “Barwin” cotton farm Emerald, Ross Burnett, National Farmers’ Federation CEO, Tony Mahar, Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay, SunWater chair Lisa Caffrey, Minister Murray Watt, National Farmers’ Federation president, Fiona Simson, AgForce general president Georgie Somerset.