The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has welcomed new data released on Monday revealing the significant contribution of the agriculture and fisheries sector in Queensland.
The latest AgTrends data has revealed Queensland’s agriculture and fisheries sector has eclipsed its 2021-22 record value of $23.37 billion and reached another record valuation of $23.44 billion for the 2022-23 year.
QFF CEO Jo Sheppard said the data represented a good news story for the Queensland agriculture sector and highlights the significant contribution it makes across the state.
“Queensland’s agriculture sector is a significant contributor to the state’s economy and integral part and backbone of rural, regional and remote communities,” Ms Sheppard said.
“Despite the many challenges facing the sector – including supply chain disruptions, workforce shortages, production difficulties due to extreme weather events, competing land uses and high input costs – our agriculture industries are continuing to strengthen.
“The sector continues to respond to opportunities in the AgTech and natural capital areas, while also navigating the opportunities and challenges presented by the renewable energy roll-out throughout the state and associated land use planning considerations.”
The AgTrends data highlights the best performing commodities and local government areas (LGAs) by both total gross value production (GVP) and GVP growth rate, with Toowoomba and Bundaberg among the strongest producing regions.
The Lockyer Valley was identified as the fastest growing region for agricultural value, up 42 per cent on last year’s GVP.
Beef, sugar and cotton continue to be among Queensland’s most valuable crops, with sugarcane and sugar processing reaching a combined valuation of almost $2.5 billion, while the GVP of raw cotton soared by 26.4% to over $1.5 billion.
Queensland’s fresh horticulture produce also continued to be among the strongest growing commodity groups, with apples, table grapes, pineapples, avocados, and bananas all in the top 10 for growth.
“While the data presents a positive outlook for the Queensland agriculture sector, it is also a timely reminder of the critical importance of strategically protecting agriculture land for future production and future generations so that we can all continue to enjoy the very best local food, fibre and foliage production,” said Ms Sheppard.
“It is also a time to reflect and celebrate the importance of agriculture in Queensland, our communities and our economy, but perhaps most importantly, acknowledge the farmers who lead the world not only in production but in sustainability, on-farm best practice and innovation.”
Ms Sheppard said that the critical work of QFF in the areas of water, energy, biosecurity and land use planning will continue, highlighting the necessity for agriculture to have a seat at the table regarding issues impacting the sector.
“The importance of working together to achieve the best possible outcomes cannot be understated. Yesterday the Barron Water Plan was released following an extensive two-year consultation process in which QFF was heavily involved, ensuring water allocation in that region can meet new and emerging demands for water and support regional development and the agriculture sector,” Ms Sheppard said.
“QFF will continue to work closely with our members to advocate for a strong future for the agriculture sector in Queensland.”
QFF represents the interests of peak agriculture organisations (both state and national) including Cotton Australia, Canegrowers, Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers, eastAUSmilk and Nursery and Garden Industry Queensland.
-ENDS-
Media contact:
Anna Jones
Corporate Partnerships and Communications Manager, QFF
E: partnerships@qff.org.au
M: 0481 395 623