MEMBER for Mildura Ali Cupper has praised local farmers for their efforts in contributing to what has become a record year for agricultural production in Australia.
The total value of Australia’s agricultural production this year is expected to eclipse 81 billion dollars.
“It’s an impeccable achievement and a testament to the hard work of our farming families to capitalise on the good weather and generations of Mallee farming talent,” Ms Cupper said.
“Farmers across every industry have been doing their best to increase productivity, harness new opportunities and maximise yields, and the success speaks for itself.”
Meanwhile, the National Farmers Federation has set an ambitious target for the nation’s agriculture sector, to reach a farm gate output of 100 billion dollars by 2030.
It’s a target Ms Cupper said will not be achieved without significant reinvestments in agricultural research and development.
“We may not be able to predict the weather, but one thing we can control is the provision of adequate funding for science, technology, research and development, sectors that have faced vicious funding cuts by the Federal Government over the past decade,” she said.
“This includes the closure of the Merbein CSIRO site which has left a gaping hole in our research capacity.
“The missed opportunities and untapped potential are impossible to calculate.
“All levels of government should be investing in these fields. Failure to properly do so will undermine the success of our industry moving forward.”

Media enquiries: Wade Stephens 0423 905 581