The Coalition believes we need a strong agricultural sector in this country. Our food and fibre producers are the best in the world and we will support them to maintain that standing.
MEDIA RELEASE
5 August 2010
COALITION WILL ACT ON AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY
“The Coalition believes we need a strong agricultural sector in this country. Our food and fibre producers are the best in the world and we will support them to maintain that standing.
“The greatest threat to food production is not climate change or population growth, but the policies governments put in place to deal with it,” Liberal candidate for Wannon, Dan Tehan said.
“There can be no food security without secure property rights for farmers. Nor can there be food security without water security, yet the Gillard Government continues to ignore these important issues.
Today’s announcements include:
• Increased Research and Development for primary production funding of $150million over three years;
• A $5 million four-year scientist/researchers pilot programme offering grants of up to $50,000 for specialised research, mentoring or further study;
• Grants totalling $50 million over four years for farmers undertaking water-saving activities for stock use;
• $20 million over four years towards a large scale Feral Animal Control Programme;
• A Saltbush Planting Programme to provide up to $100,000 matched dollar for dollar per annum per farm enterprise and up to $250,000 per established nursery per annum;
• $8 million for a “third party” auditable map of Australia’s Agricultural Production carbon footprint;
• $2 million for a “Green Tape” audit of all environmental legislation and regulations;
• $15 million for a Bio-security Flying Squad to provide urgent additional resources when a bio-security risk is identified.
“Unlike the Gillard Government, the Coalition WILL NOT be cutting the agriculture budget. We will be increasing it,” Mr Tehan said.
“Research and development is the key component of any food security plan.
“Under the Coalition there will be a full-time Cabinet Minister for Agriculture, Food Security, Fisheries and Forestry, restoring the value of this important portfolio.
“We will continue our support for Exceptional Circumstances support, however, when the drought is behind us we will examine options to improve drought support,” Mr Tehan said.
“The Coalition does not support an emissions trading scheme and has made it very clear that feeding people is not something that should be artificially taxed.
“We will ensure that our border security is again at the top of the agenda, by providing an additional $108.1 million for our severely under funded Bio-security and Customs agencies,” concluded Mr Tehan.
ENDS
Contact Dan Tehan: 0400 376 635
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