15 November 2024
Australia’s National Agriculture Day is an annual celebration of the families, workers and industries that power Australia’s agriculture sector. The theme, “Grow You Good Thing”, places the contributions of the agriculture industry in the spotlight, illustrating the fuel which powers both our daily lives and the nation’s economic prosperity.
“Agriculture is so much more than roadside paddocks and pastures; it’s the foundation of every part of our daily existence,” said Mr Matthew Cossey, Chief Executive Officer of CropLife Australia, the national peak industry organisation for the plant science sector.
“The food on our plates, the drinks in our cups, the clothes on our back are all rooted in agriculture, grown from the inputs and innovations which enable it.
“This National Agriculture Day, we take a moment to appreciate and celebrate our hardworking farmers and their supporting networks and value chains including the plant science sector. Combined, they help make Australia an agricultural superpower, feeding and clothing both the nation and the world. With nearly $80 billion in exports, the bounty grown from Australian soil and water constitutes the backbone of our economy.
“However, the challenges of climate change and a continually evolving market demands require investment and innovation, even in a food-secure nation like Australia. As farmers face these challenges, it’s essential they have access to the latest scientific advancements: new, innovative crop protection products; hardy, nutritious biotech crop varieties; and improved production and application technologies. With this support, they can continue to grow food and fibre in more sustainable, environmentally friendly ways.
“Crop protection products are the cornerstone of integrated pest management, which safeguards Australian crops from pests, weeds, and disease. Achieving the high standards of quality, safety, and sustainability in our agricultural products requires safe and effective pesticides. In fact, 73% of the value of Australian produce, over $31.6 billion, is directly attributed to the responsible use of crop protection products.
“These innovations contribute to the sustainability of the agriculture industry, enhance national economic productivity, and support the well-being of Australian communities. Ultimately however, farmers can’t use these tools without science-based regulatory frameworks that enable access to them.
“I encourage all Australians to take a moment today to celebrate the great efforts of the nation’s farmers and the plant science innovations that enables them and recognise just how fortunate we are,” Mr Cossey concluded.
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