Local produce deemed among best

AGRICULTURE: How often do you stop and think about the food you and your family eat? Often we might stop to think if we are eating healthily, but do we give the same attention and consideration to where our food comes from.
It is a pretty safe bet that if you have locally produced food on your plate, you are on a good thing. World-wide, we are up there with the best. Victoria’s reputation for high quality, clean and healthy food production is well-deserved.
The Yarra Valley is integral to food production in our state. At our doorstep, we have such splendid choices. The horticultural industry makes the most of the fertile land and produces a wide variety of berries, stone fruit and apples to name a few. The Certified Strawberry Runner Growers Co-operative in Toolangi produces about 75 per cent of all strawberry runners for commercial fruit growers in Australia.
Our wine and cheese production is highly acclaimed.
Our beef industry also has a fine reputation. Last week, I was delighted to visit many breeders who showcased their bulls and herds as part of beef week. I particularly enjoyed my visits with Jacqui and Richard Feagan of Tarrawarra Lowlines and the Phillips of Elite Blond in Castella – both lesser known breeds but certainly good ones.
High quality stock is bred locally for both sale and show throughout Australia and is highly regarded within the beef industry. It is not well known that our local stud breeders are among the major exporters of bovine genetics from Australia.
Food and fibre industries are key economic drivers in Victoria particularly in regional communities. One in six jobs in regional Victoria is in the food and fibre sector.
Victoria is Australia’s largest food and fibre exporting state. The value of food and fibre exported from Victoria increased 12 per cent in 2013-’14 to reach a record $11.4 billion, accounting for 29 per cent of all farm exports from Australia.
In 2013-’14, meat was Victoria’s most valuable export increasing by 36 per cent to $2.3 billion. Together with strong dairy exports, valued at $2.2 billion, these two industries accounted for 41 per cent of the total value of food and fibre exports in 2013-’14. Victorian horticulture exports were also strong, increasing by $288 million or 48 per cent.
The signing of Free Trade agreements by the Commonwealth Government with Japan and China last year opens up wonderful opportunities for the agriculture sector, providing significant avenues for growth. Substantial changes in tarrifs on wine, beef, sheep and dairy products over the coming years will be welcome.
Agriculture and farming are so important to our communities. It is imperative that support is given to this sector. I hear often that people want locally produced food and reduced ‘food miles’. For this to happen the right mechanisms need to be in place. This includes obvious factors such as water and biosecurity measures but extends to planning and use of the land. Too often I hear farmers being forced off the land due to a range of different factors. We need our farmers to be able to farm.
I urge you to take note of where your food is produced and purchase local products wherever possible. I love purchasing seasonal produce at the farm gate. Not only does this support our local industry and keep local jobs, but it provides you with the added security that you are giving the best to your family.