16 October 2012
World Food Day, today, is a valuable opportunity to better understand the important role Australia’s food producers play in stopping hunger around the globe.
First held in 1979 to raise awareness of food security and agricultural issues, World Food Day is celebrated during the annual Committee on World Food Security, which meets this week in Rome.
World Food Day’s theme this year is ‘Agricultural cooperatives — key to feeding the world.’
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, said the theme is fitting considering Australia’s key role in the world food market.
“Australia exports over $30 billion of food a year, with much of our produce helping to meet shortfalls and gaps in many marketplaces,” Minister Ludwig said.
“This year’s World Food Day coincides with international concerns about increasing food prices, but as a reliable global food supplier, Australia is well placed to respond.
“Australia helps deliver food security and good nutrition at home and abroad because of a strong partnership between industry and government.”
Minister Ludwig said cooperation between government and the agriculture sector delivers policies, technological advances, international trade opportunities and infrastructure that underpin food exports.
“I congratulate Australian farmers, fishers and exporters for their continuing leadership in food production and practices that make us one of the world’s food bowls” Minister Ludwig said.
“Their outstanding work is one of the reasons why the Australian Government is supporting producers through the development of the first National Food Plan.
“The National Food Plan will help Australian producers seize opportunities offered by developing markets, especially in Asia, and play to our strengths in commodities like beef, wheat, dairy products, sheep meat and sugar.
“The National Food Plan will also focus on food security and good nutrition in Australia, and help to support and grow regional communities and the 529,000 jobs generated by the Australian food production sector.”
Further information on the World Food Day is available at on this website.
