Citrus Australia has welcomed what is has called a 'long-awaited' Agriculture Competitiveness White Paper, which is set to ensure greater government and industry collaboration.
Released by prime minister Tony Abbott and agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce, the White Paper will invest AU$4bn across five priority areas.
These priority areas include 'A fairer go for farm businesses', 'Building the infrastructure for the 21st century', 'Strengthening our approach to drought and risk management', 'Farming smarter' and 'Accessing premium markets'.
Citrus Australia CEO Judith Damiani said the five priority areas would provide a real focus for the Australian government and agricultural industries to work together.
“The Australian agriculture sector is a vital part of the nation’s economy and will play an increasingly important role in feeding the growing Asian middle class,” said Damiani. “Citrus Australia is pleased to see greater support for the industry with increased resources for export market access; biosecurity; research, development and extension; and country of origin labelling.
“These are critical areas for the Australian citrus industry and we look forward to working with agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce and prime minster Tony Abbott as these measures are implemented,” she added.
