The Australian Government released the Agricultural Competitiveness Green Paper last week and is asking everyone in agriculture to have their say on a range of new proposals and policy suggestions.

The Government has prioritised agriculture as one of the five pillars of the economy, stating that it's key objective is to achieve a better return at the farm gate.

“The Green Paper is a reflection of the Coalition Government’s commitment to maintaining family farming as the cornerstone of Australian agriculture and to support those on the land who engage in food and fibre production, an inherently noble and good occupation.” said Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce.

More broadly, the Australian Government claims to be focused on an agricultural policy that:

• increases returns at the farm gate

• keeps families as the cornerstone of farming

• builds the infrastructure of the 21st Century

• creates employment opportunities in agriculture

• reduces unnecessary regulation at all levels of government

• promotes access to key export markets

• focuses on Australia’s competitive advantages

• supports strong and vibrant regional communities

• maintains access for all Australians to high quality and affordable fresh food

The Green Paper represents the views put forward by the Australian public. Submissions to the Green Paper will inform the Government of what it should take forward as its policies in the final White Paper.

“As a nation, we need a competitive and innovative agricultural sector—a sector that increases farmgate profitability, has expanded export and trade opportunities, and strengthens our rural and regional communities.” Minister Joyce said.

“We’re looking to farmers to tell us about the most important ideas and the policies we should focus on to take agriculture forward—so feedback will be very useful.” he continued.

The Government is calling for written submissions from individuals, businesses and other interested stakeholders on the best way forward.

To read the Green Paper, or provide a submission in response, visit: https://agriculturalcompetitiveness.dpmc.gov.au.

Submissions to the Agricultural Green Paper can be made until 12 December 2014.