Submission to Feeding Australia: A National Food Security Strategy

Food security is central to Australia’s wellbeing, economy, and international responsibilities, yet the country is facing growing risks from climate change, workforce shortages, fragile supply chains, and rising food insecurity. Despite producing more than enough food domestically, access and affordability remain significant challenges, particularly in regional, rural, and remote communities. ATSE calls for long-term investment in research and innovation, digital connectivity for farmers, and targeted workforce development. Strengthening biosecurity through community engagement and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge is essential to safeguard agriculture. Improving nutrition literacy and funding local food initiatives can enhance access to affordable, healthy food. Agricultural diplomacy and international R&D partnerships will be critical for resilience and to reinforce Australia’s role in global food security. 

Recommendations from ATSE’s submission:

1. Increase long-term R&D investment in agricultural innovation, targeting renewable, sustainable and climate-adaptive crops, technologies and systems, including by supporting research hubs such as the International Centre of Crop and Digital Agriculture in NSW and the Renewables in Agriculture Centre of Excellence. 
2. Support connectivity in rural, regional and remote areas to ensure farmers are digitally included through expansion of programs, including the On Farm Connectivity Program. 
3. Develop targeted incentives to attract, train, and retain skilled workers in agriculture and food production, including extending the Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme to agricultural and food placements. 
4. Establish consultation groups or advisory panels at the regional and national levels to provide local community input in biosecurity planning and rulemaking. 
5. Embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge in biosecurity strategies and risk assessments, and continue supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs, including the Indigenous Biosecurity Ranger Program. 
6. Increase targeted funding into community-led food programs, regional food hubs and local processing facilities to shorten supply chains, lower costs and increase food availability to regional, rural and remote communities. 
7. Strengthen and expand evidence-based nutrition literacy campaigns and organisations to improve nutrition education and support healthier food choices across all communities. 
8. Support agricultural diplomacy and international innovation in our region through agricultural R&D partnerships with regional neighbours and long-term support for the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).