Queensland farmers and their communities are one step closer to achieving a vision for the future of agriculture with the establishment of Agricultural Ministerial Advisory Council (AgMAC).
The establishment of AgMAC has been been welcomed by Queensland Farmers Federation and AgForce as a positive first step in addressing and genuinely working through issues the sector is facing.
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Director-General Dr Beth Woods will chair AgMAC, with members from Queensland Farmers Federation and AgForce also sitting as permanent members.
QFF President Stuart Armitage said QFF and industry members were looking forward to working with government to progress and resolve agricultural issues and build a more strategic approach by government towards the sector.
“QFF has been advocating for AgMAC to be established for some time. We didn’t quite get it up and running last Parliament, so it is encouraging that the Queensland Government has committed to doing something about it early in its new term,” Mr Armitage said.
“Many of the issues impacting on agriculture are complex, with various competing government policy priorities and objectives. AgMAC provides a forum to address these cross-portfolio challenges and achieve a more synergistic government policy for agriculture.”
“A strong, profitable and sustainable agricultural sector is good for everyone. Besides providing the highest quality food and clothing for people at home and abroad, it helps government balance the books, provides much needed regional economic stability and meaningful employment, and enables better environmental outcomes to be delivered.”
“AgMAC has the opportunity to re-establish the agricultural sector as a strategic economic pillar – something that farmers are looking for and all Queenslanders benefit from.”
AgForce General President Grant Maudsley said the Agricultural Ministerial Advisory Council was an opportunity for the industry to engage with the Queensland Government and highlight key priorities.
"Demand for our high-quality food and fibre is on the rise, and we hope the advisory council will lead to the development of a strong vision for Queensland agriculture supported by policies and solutions that take our industry forward," he said.
Minister for Agriculture Mark Furner, also acknowledged and welcomed this latest outcome while visiting the AgForce Cattle conference at Brian Pastures Research Station near Gayndah on Wednesday.
“AgMAC is to engage with key stakeholders such as QFF and AgForce” Mr Furner said.
“I admire both leaders of the state farm-based organisations such as Stuart Armitage from QFF and Grant Maudsley from AgForce and the experience and professionalism both leaders will bring to the table.
“AgMAC is an opportunity for the government to back the sector by progressing some critical competitiveness and productivity issues, and exciting growth opportunities.”
The first AgMAC meeting will be held next month after its official launch in Toowoomba on Tuesday.