CoVID-19 producer update (17 April 2020)

The CoVID-19 pandemic has thrown up challenges for Australia’s food supply chains, especially coming after severe drought conditions in eastern Australia. However a new ABARES Insights report released this week confirms almost 90 per cent of the food Australians enjoy is homegrown, making Australia’s food security among the world’s strongest.

The National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed the report, saying it affirms the fact that farmers remain on the job during these unprecedented times. “Farmers are continuing to produce, in high volumes, the milk, eggs, red meat, poultry, pork, grains, fruit, vegetables and other staples Australians depend on,” NFF president Fiona Simson said.

APL is working closely with NFF, the Federal Government and relevant agencies to minimise any operational disruptions to pork supply chains, from the farmgate to interstate transport and export trade. Producers are encouraged to contact APL to flag any logistical or bureaucratic issues arising from CoVID-19.

Meanwhile, potential changes in the coming weeks to major aspects of Australia’s coronavirus lockdowns are being discussed by National Cabinet – progress which has been welcomed by the Council of Small Business Organisations. The Council’s CEO Peter Strong says employers should urge workers to undertake training and other skills development while on the JobKeeper payment. The Federal Government is providing employers with the $1500-a-fortnight payment for each employee kept on the books during any CoVID-19 closures.