CHRONICLE COLUMN – FOOD SECURITY – 31 JANUARY 2023
Do we have the required availability (quality and quantity) of food to future proof all Australians by providing food security for all?
Are we food secure? What does it even mean and why does it matter?
“To feed the world in 2050 we need to increase total global food production by 70% This will be increasingly challenging due to a changing climate. By 2030 crop and pasture yields are likely to decline in many places”. Australian International Food Security and Research Centre
Toowoomba’s biggest Industry has a part to play in Food Security
Our region plays and will continue to play a significant role in food security. Why? Our biggest industry by business count in our region is the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector. At last count, 3414 – or just over 21% of our local businesses, generate a total economic output estimated to be more than $1,343 million annually, making it the fourth largest industry sector by output.
At last Wednesday’s Toowoomba Chamber Business@Dusk, Dr. John McVeigh articulated the important work UniSQ Institute of Resilient Regions has embarked upon, with a focus in part on the agriculture sector. The leadership in this work by our local university is critical as the debate about long-term food security for our nation bubbles away quietly in response to climate – drought and flooding rains – biosecurity and disease, supply chain disruptions, the war in Ukraine and virus impacts.
The 2022 article by Louie, Shi and Allman Farinelli from the University of Sydney clearly concludes that a coordinated national and community response is required to improve local food supply and address underlying determinants to food insecurity. They highlighted critical issues of food supply and the imbalance in demand, the impact of increased food prices and cost of living pressures, etcetera. The findings were also clear that the global virus crisis shone a spotlight on the food security challenges that need to be addressed.
Support Agriculture to invest in food security
Our support of this sector, which forms the foundations of the city we live in, is vital. Not just for us, but the nation. Businesses and government need to support all in the agriculture sector being climate ready, helping to advance agricultural productivity, cementing supply chains, and delivering new markets and opportunities to local businesses. We need to embrace the bold innovators like the Hampton Irrigators and learn from them to secure our food future.
We are blessed. Our local farmers and graziers are highly skilled and knowledgeable ensuring our region’s agriculture sector delivers both quality and diversity. But the Australian International Food Security and Research Centre says we can do more to improve availability through farming systems, well managed natural resources, and government policies to enhance productivity. Other key factors (for another day) which they outline include issues of access, utilisation, and stability, which need a clear plan and program now and for our future generations.
This issue deserves our urgent attention now and must not be left to Captain Hindsight. Remember, without food, we die. It’s so serious that maybe we should have a Federal Minister for Food Security? What are your thoughts on the future of food security in our region and in Australia?
Let us know by emailing admin@toowoombachamber.com.au. Or contact UniSQ directly if you are interested to hear more about and be involved in the Institute of Resilient Regions.
Todd Rohl | Toowoomba Chamber
