ADPF Submission: National Food Security Strategy Discussion Paper

The Australian Dairy Products Federation (ADPF) welcomed the opportunity to contribute to Feeding Australia: A National Food Security Strategy Discussion Paper and the priority areas to shape the strategy’s scope.

Dairy is a strategic pillar of national food security and regional jobs – transforming perishable milk into high quality safe, nutritious products for Australian families and global markets.

With a presence in every state, deep roots in regional Australia, and billions of dollars flowing through the economy, dairy processors are where value is created – supporting communities and connecting farmgate to export dock.

However, our industry is under pressure: 20 processors have publicly announced a closure over the past three years; long term decline in milk production is at record lows; energy, freight, insurance and compliance costs continue to soar, while dairy was the only food category to record a price fall last year.

One in four dairy products consumed is now imported, narrowing consumer choice and weakening processors’ resilience.

ADPF’s submission urges a focused, practical, outcomes-based national food security strategy that places dairy manufacturing firmly at its core, through actions to:

1. Lift productivity and growth through data, automation and technology, regulatory reset, and for dairy, a long-term dairy plan
2. Rebuild sustainable and resilient supply chains, with a focus on energy, transport and logistics, and workforce, and
3. Improve competition outcomes so locally made brands remain affordable and available both at home and abroad, ensuring nutritious, Australian dairy is the preferred choice.

More: Full submission.