1MG FlippingBooks
Blog Post
Australian agriculture exports to hold as supply hit: ABARES
Elizabeth Gracie
Disruptions to supply are set to hit 1.7 times harder than demand due to Covid-19, according to a new report released by The Australian Bureau of Agricultural And Resource Economics and Science (ABARES).
The “Impacts of COVID-19 on Australian Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Trade’ report comes in response to the uncertainty that has been created by thepandemic around agricultural trade. As global markets slow down Australian food producers face the issue of maintaining access to international markets and sourcing necessary imported inputs.
A weaker Australian dollar is also making Australian products more enticing in the global market, though disruptions to supply chains and logistics is set to create significant risk, according to ABARES.
ABARES Acting Executive Director, Peter Gooday, said that the report highlighted how the continual spread of COVID 19 would impose a significant economic impact on agricultural trade across the nation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) currently forecasting a 3% contraction in global economic activity in 2020, worse than the 2007 - 2009 Global Financial Crisis.
However, the report does note that as food is “always an essential commodity, even during a crisis”, the key impact on global agricultural markets is likely to be lower prices rather than an extreme drop in consumption.
And whilst China has already lost an estimated $200m in seafood export earnings in 2019 - 2020, Australia’s falling exchange rate has brought with it an important economic benefit as Australian products have become more competitive in world markets.
This is currently playing out in Western Australia as the WA State Government has chosen to extend its current rock lobster season from 12 months to 18 months and increasing the quota to 9,000 tonnes, “allowing the quota to be shifted between seasons”, allowing fisheries to play catch up for exports in the 2020 - 2021 financial years.
In assessing the future of the industry, the ABARES report finds that “in the immediate future, supply chain and logistics disruptions will create the most significant risk to the sector and hence to producer incomes”.
There will also be expected second and third waves of impacts on the agricultural, forestry and fisheries sectors likely as the virus continues to spread and evolve.
As a result of this, “The Federal Government has taken a number of steps to keep agriculture producing and our food and fibre reaching export markets, significantly reducing these risks” according to Mr Gooday.
Some of these steps are already being implemented through recent changes to visa arrangements for seasonal workers to improve labour availability and help mitigate any supply distributions.
And whilst the uncertainty that has come with the terrain of a global pandemic and the spread of COVID 19 has had a significant economic impact on agricultural trade, the ABARES report notes that “the underlying medium term prospects for the sector remain strong”.
NEWS
Following from another record year for beef production and exports, we anticipate opportunities for Australian beef to continue into 2025, especially in markets like the US which is in a cattle herd rebuild and was our number one export destination for beef in 2024.
Cutting-edge mobile technology is revolutionising on-farm decision making, but what makes agtech especially successful is when it complements farmer knowledge and links with on-farm practices, in a user-friendly manner.
Trace elements play a crucial role for Australian livestock producers. Long-Acting trace element bolus improves productivity, fertility, health and profitability. One dose, complete peace of mind.
The next-gen Mitsubishi Triton ute is the latest incarnation in an evolution of tough, reliable vehicles, that began in 1937.
Cattle producers are reaping the benefits of improved herd fertility, increased weight gain, and fewer stock losses thanks to strategic supplementation with trace minerals
Some milestones are marked with fanfare – others with piles of freshly picked colourful spring produce, protein-packed prime cut lamb, pork and beef; fresh catch seafood; creamy white mould cheese, pasture-reared eggs or pure honey. All that’s fresh and farm direct and destined to mark the 25 th Year of Australia’s vibrant farmers’ market sector.
A selection of The Australian Farmer Sponsors - Click on a banner below to find out more...
CONTACT US
Phone: +61 2 9884 9660
solutions@onemandate.com
LET’S CONNECT
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
