Agriculture declared an essential service during COVID-19 pandemic

Australia’s agriculture, primary production and food systems, including all agribusiness and farming input industries, and their respective supply chains, have been declared essential as we face the challenges of COVID-19.

These industries will not be shut down and their employees and service providers who are required to travel interstate are eligible to do so for the purposes of work.

This was confirmed by the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, the Hon. David Littleproud MP, on 25 March 2020 and by the governments of all Australian states and territories.

The primary production system covers agriculture and all agricultural input industries including crop protection, seeds, fertilizer, agricultural biotechnology and GM crop products, feed, fodder, the ag supply retail distribution network, transport, logistics, packaging, labelling and the movement of agriculture related workers across state borders.

For more information regarding agricultural operations and cross-border movement for agribusiness
employees visit: farmhub.org.au

Download official statement.