Colin Dorber, CEO of Lockyer Valley Foods, a proposed circular economy fruit and vegetable processing facility in Queensland, has called for increased government commitment to domestic food manufacturing following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's recent 'Buy Australian' statement.
Dorber urged both sides of government to provide tangible support for Australia's food and agricultural sector. He called for an expansion of the federal government's 'Feeding Australia' policy, investment from the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) to support onshore food manufacturing, and the introduction of special investment designations for food infrastructure projects. He also advocated for bipartisan backing for agricultural development.
"It's not enough to encourage consumers to buy local produce if systemic support for farmers and food processors remains limited," Dorber said. "While retail markets often prioritize low-cost imports, the responsibility also lies with the government to ensure Australia's food sovereignty is protected."
Dorber questioned the effectiveness of the current $3.5 million pledge under the 'Feeding Australia' initiative, describing it as insufficient in the context of the challenges facing the sector. "Three million tonnes of fruit and vegetables are wasted annually. With vegetable prices averaging $5 per kilogram, that represents significant economic and resource loss. A few million dollars to create a plan does not address the scale of the issue," he said.
He also recommended that the NRF prioritize funding for food processing infrastructure and called for the creation of an 'essential development' designation to facilitate private investment and speed up project approvals. He highlighted recent supply shortages, such as canned beetroot, as examples of the risks posed by Australia's reliance on imported products and aging domestic infrastructure.
Dorber noted that many existing processing plants are decades old and owned by overseas entities, raising concerns about long-term food supply resilience. He argued that greater local capacity is needed to support growers and reduce waste.
He also raised concerns about supermarket standards that lead to large portions of crops being discarded. "Up to 88% of a crop may be left in the field due to aesthetic standards, with limited processing options available. This results in both economic losses for farmers and reduced availability of locally grown food for consumers," he said.
According to industry data from Freshlogic, fresh vegetable prices rose by nearly 25% in 2024. At the same time, one in three fruit and vegetable growers is reportedly considering exiting the industry due to financial pressures.
Dorber concluded by calling for a coordinated approach to strengthen Australia's domestic food supply chain. "The current global and economic climate underscores the need to restore local manufacturing, support primary producers, and invest in infrastructure to ensure food security," he said.
For more information:
Kristin Westlake
The Continuum Partners
Tel: +61 416 219 358
Email: kwestlake@thecontinuumpartners.com
www.thecontinuumpartners.com