Federal election 2022: David Littleproud announces the Coalition’s commitment to national genebanks

The Coalition has announced it will commit $8.2 million over four years and $1.6 million each year from 2026-27 to establish a National Livestock Genebank in an effort to protect valuable livestock and pasture genetic resources. Here’s all you need to know about the announcement.

Livestock producers and farmers in Capricornia could benefit from the Coalition’s commitment to establish a National Livestock Genebank in an effort to protect valuable livestock and pasture genetic resources.

The Coalition has promised to provide $8.2 million over four years and $1.6 million each year from 2026-27.

The political group also promised to continue the Australian Pastures Genebank in Adelaide, providing short-term funding security for transition to alternative longer-term management arrangements.

Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud was in Rockhampton on Friday to make the announcement, alongside Capricornia MP Michelle Landry.

Ms Landry said the announcement would directly benefit livestock producers and farmers in Capricornia.

AgForce Central Queensland regional manager Sara Cue, Agriculture Minister David Littleproud, Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry, Kelly Newton and Keppel Brand director Mark Davie. Picture: Contributed

“This will be a very important program and I am really looking forward to seeing it rolled out, particularly in areas like this,” she said.

“Events like fires and floods have a significant effect on Australian agriculture, including in Capricornia, and impose a significant loss of valuable agricultural genetics.

“Genebanks create a safety net for farmers during events that cannot be avoided, such as destocking.

“I think CQUniversity and organisations like that are prime candidates that could get involved in this program.”

The design of the National Livestock Genebank is to be informed by a CSIRO feasibility study, initiated by the federal government.

Mr Littleproud said the $8.2 million would go towards creating the national genebank and that the $1.6 million each year from 2026-27 would make sure “the funding is there” after the genebank was established.

He said genebanks were a way of future-proofing Australian agriculture.

“Farming in Australia is not without risk,” he said.

“We all do what we can to mitigate risks, but it’s always good to have an insurance policy just in case.

“These genebanks are a way of securing high value genetic lines in case of an emergency, such as fire, flood or a biosecurity incursion.

“If there is a natural disaster, producers have the genetics to be able to call on straight away to rebuild their heard, or if there is a biosecurity outbreak, we are able to give that livestock industry the certainty to knowing their genetics are going to be there for them to restart and rebuild.

“They’re also important for research. By having a storage bank of genetic material, we can leverage co-investment and research to develop breeds and cultivars that will suit our unique environment.

“And a little bit goes a long way. The Australian Pastures Genebank was estimated in a 2017 review to contribute between $62.5 and $250 million in improved agricultural productivity every year.

“Ensuring our farmers can rebound after an environmental disaster or disease outbreak and improve our research capabilities supports the agricultural industry’s goal of $100 billion in farm gate value by 2030.

“This is a big investment, a practical investment, with big returns. I am proud to say we are looking at every endeavour to protect Australian agriculture and this is a great measure that will protect it well into the future.”