Australia is a major agricultural exporting nation, consistently ranking in the top ten nations for net agricultural exports. However, a significant proportion of Australia’s agricultural exports comprises non-food items, including wool, cotton, hides and skins, and animal feeds.
Australia is a major agricultural exporting nation, consistently ranking in the top ten nations for net agricultural exports. However, a significant proportion of Australia’s agricultural exports comprises non-food items, including wool, cotton, hides and skins, and animal feeds. Australia’s abundant arable land, with over two hectares per person, stands as one of the highest ratios globally, enabling us to provide diverse fresh food year-round.
The potential significance of Australia’s agriculture sector as a future food source for Asian countries remains debatable. Some suggest that Australia could play a major role in food export to the Asia region. However, the sheer scale of increasing populations raises doubts about the extent of Australia’s contribution. Determining precisely how many people Australian agriculture could sustain is complex.
With Australia’s population projected to reach 36 to 48 million by 2060, concerns arise regarding our food security. Can we navigate the challenges posed by climate change, the depletion of natural resources, and competition for land and water use driven by mining and urban expansion?
Australia can feed a larger population than it currently does, but the real issue is how to do this while upholding a healthy, sustainable and fair food system. Ultimately, exporting the knowledge, technology and education that underpin our future food system will benefit far more people than those directly consuming food produced in Australia.
