Think Tank: Food Security Equals National Security
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) welcomes the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Green Paper on National Food Security Preparedness as a timely and vital call to action.
“This report underscores what farmers have been saying for years – food security is national security,” NFF President David Jochinke said.
“Australia is home to a world class food system, but that doesn’t mean we’re immune to shocks and disruptions.
“Our food supply chain faces growing risks from geopolitical tensions, climate change, and supply chain vulnerabilities that demand urgent attention.”
The ASPI Green Paper highlights the need for stronger government coordination and leadership to ensure Australia’s food system is resilient enough to withstand future challenges. It calls for elevating food security as a national priority, including integrating it into the National Security Committee of Cabinet and developing a comprehensive National Food Security Strategy.
“A National Food Security Strategy has been a long-standing priority for the NFF and many likeminded organisations,” Mr Jochinke said.
“The NFF and its members welcomed the recent commitment from Labor for a strategy and we call on all sides of politics to also back this proposal.
“This strategy must deliver practical solutions that protect critical inputs like fertilisers and herbicides, strengthen supply chains, and keep farmers farming.”
The NFF notes the report’s recommendations regarding strategic reserves, enhanced research and development, and greater collaboration between government and industry.
“What we have now is a strong foundation for whoever forms government to hit the ground running and act decisively on these findings.”
The NFF looks forward to working collaboratively with government and industry partners to build on this work and ensure that Australia’s agriculture sector remains strong, sustainable, and resilient into the future.
https://nff.org.au/media-release/leading-defence-think-tank-says-food-security-national-security/