Food and grocery manufacturers are calling for immediate action from the government to strengthen the nation’s food security by backing this crucial industry.
Candidates in the upcoming Federal election should prioritise policies that address immediate needs of Australia’s food and grocery sector while paving the way for long-term collaborative solutions, the peak body for the industry Australian Food & Grocery Council said.
“The food and grocery sector has faced growing pressures in recent years. Supply chains remain strained after Covid-19, costs are rising, and the industry is faced with increasing compliance demands, from improving nutrition content to advancing sustainability through packaging and energy use,” says the AFGC.
“Without collaborative and sustained action, the ability to deliver the products Australians know and love are at risk. A thriving food and grocery industry is the key ingredient for a resilient Australia. The sector touches every household, and securing its future is critical for our nation’s economic and social stability.”
Some key actions to achieve this future include:
- Strengthen supply chains by investing in critical infrastructure like the East-West Rail to ensure efficient and reliable delivery of essential goods to consumers nationwide,
- Incentivise investment with targeted tax breaks for advanced technologies, automation, and energy efficiency upgrades to boost productivity and sustainability,
- Champion clear and consistent packaging regulation that is harmonised across Australia and industries to boost circularity.
For more from AFGC’s election call to action, visit afgc.org.au/the-recipe-for-success-checklist-for-a-stronger-food-and-grocery-sector.
The food and grocery industry in numbers
- The largest manufacturing sector in Australia, accounting for 32.2% of all manufacturing
- Contributes $163 billion to the Australian economy
- Supports more than 280,000 employees, about 40% are in rural and regional areas
- Targets industry value of $250 billion by 2030.