Pandemic has not affected food security: Ag Minister

FEDERAL Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the COVID-19 pandemic has not affected Australia’s ability to produce far more food than it consumes.

MP David Littleproud. Deputy leader National party. Picture: Bev Lacey

FEDERAL Agriculture Minister and Maranoa MP David Littleproud said the COVID-19 pandemic has not affected Australia's ability to produce far more food than it consumes. 

Speaking in Toowoomba yesterday, Mr Littleproud said the latest report by Australia's Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences confirmed Australia had one of the most secure food supplies in the world.

Australia ranks in the top 10% of countries under the Global Food Security Index defined by the World Food Summit.

The index measures 34 criteria covering affordability, availability, quality and safety.

"Australia will always have enough food. We produce far more food than we consume. COVID-19 does not change that," Mr Littleproud said.

"We remain a net exporter of food. We export 70 per cent of our agricultural production.

"In terms of specific commodities - that's 76 per cent of our beef and veal, 71 per cent of our wheat and 41 per cent of our dairy products being exported.

"A surge in demand had an impact on the availability of some of our favourite products on supermarket shelves. Shoppers were stockpiling and supply chains had to adjust.

"This is not an indication of food shortages.

"I'm glad to see the disruption is abating and ABARES' report leaves no room for alarm."

The Federal Government has implemented strategies to maintain agriculture service and supply lines, extended work visas, and provided airfreight support as part of its $320 billion in measures to deal with the impacts of COVID-19. 

Originally published as Pandemic has not affected food security: Ag Minister