Unlocking Agricultural Productivity: A New Chapter for Australia’s Food and Fibre Future

On August 12, 2025, agricultural policymakers and industry stakeholders convened in Brisbane for a roundtable hosted by Minister for Agriculture, Julie Collins and Assistant Minister Anthony Chisholm. The event focused on a critical national priority: unlocking productivity in Australian agriculture.

The discussions revealed a strong appetite for reform, with participants united in their belief that the food and fibre industries must be recognised as a key pillar of Australia’s economic and regulatory transformation. While agricultural productivity has reduced since 2000, it has a Multifactor Productivity (MFP) Growth rate of 7.3% which makes it the leading sector for productivity, with transport, postal and warehousing coming in second at 4.2%. This positive productivity rate contrasts sharply with the MFP Growth rate of mining which sits at -2.3%.

Throughout the roundtable, participants discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, drawing on insights from an issues paper and industry’s experiences. There was a clear consensus, that Australia must pursue economic reforms that not only enhance productivity but also strengthen resilience and competitiveness in a rapidly changing global landscape.

A major theme of the roundtable was the need for smarter, more responsive regulation. Participants voiced frustration with the duplication and fragmentation across federal, state, and local regulatory systems, which often lead to inefficiencies and increased costs. There was a strong call for harmonisation of supply chain standards and a shift toward a principles-based regulatory framework that supports innovation while maintaining safety and quality. Faster approvals and streamlined compliance processes were seen as essential to reducing uncertainty and enabling growth.

Agriculture must be allowed to do what it does best and produce food and fibre for both domestic and global markets, without being encumbered by draconian legislation.

Technology emerged as a key enabler of regulatory reform. Attendees highlighted the potential of digital platforms, AI, and data-sharing to modernise regulatory systems, automate risk management, and improve coordination between agencies. These innovations could help eliminate outdated requirements, reduce anti-competitive delays, and create a more flexible and responsive environment for agricultural businesses.

Beyond regulation, the roundtable emphasised the importance of strategic investment in infrastructure. Participants stressed that productivity gains must be driven by integrated approaches across the entire supply chain. This includes aligning research, development, and extension (RD&E) efforts to address shared challenges, and investing in critical infrastructure such as transport, digital connectivity, water, energy, and housing. Such investments are vital not only for agricultural competitiveness but also for broader national priorities like food security, renewable energy, and sovereign capability.

In general, industry acknowledged our role in driving productivity alongside government. We advocated for co-investment models that share risk and build capability and called for long-term planning to ensure timely capital deployment, especially in export-heavy sectors. There was also strong support for public-good investments such as timber for housing, that deliver benefits across multiple industries.

Another key focus was the need to strengthen farm business management skills. Participants underscored the value of extension services and called for a multi-modal approach to training that combines practical, on-farm learning with digital resources. They also highlighted the importance of mental health awareness, cultural competency, and workplace safety in building resilient rural communities. Expanding formal education pathways, including TAFE programs and agriculture-specific apprenticeships, was seen as essential to attracting and retaining skilled workers.

Participants also urged the government to continue supporting trade liberalisation, regulatory cooperation with key trading partners, and the Simplified Trade System. They stressed that reform must be inclusive, sustainable, and designed to strengthen Australia’s position in global agricultural markets.

Ultimately, the roundtable agreed that the future of Australian agriculture depends on strategic and coordinated action. By embracing fit-for-purpose regulation, strategic investment, and collaborative partnerships, Australia can unlock the full potential of its food and fibre industries—delivering economic, environmental, and social benefits for all Australians.

ENDS

Jo Hall, CEO                                                                                 

WoolProducers Australia                                                                          

About WoolProducers’ Australia

WoolProducers plays a critical role in working closely with companies and entities funded by woolgrower funds including compulsory levies or fees for service.

Its mission is to develop constructive and profitable outcomes for woolgrowers nationally.

The agency is responsible for appointing a director to each of the Australian Wool Exchange and the Australia Wool Testing Authority, promoting good corporate governance and ensuring that the interests of growers are met.

WoolProducers maintains a working relationship with Australian Wool Innovation as the voice of woolgrower shareholders.  It aims to contribute to AWI’s programs for the benefit of growers, promoting responsible use of levy funds and ensuring good corporate governance.

WoolProducers is the sole wool industry member of Animal Health Australia, and as such, carries a significant responsibility for decision making on behalf of the industry in the event of an emergency animal disease outbreak.

As the only wool grower organisation with membership of the National Farmers’ Federation, WoolProducers is responsible for providing key policy advice on behalf of our members, and other wool growers, to Australia’s peak farm body.

WoolProducers also works closely with the Federal Government Departments on key issues such as animal health and welfare, biosecurity, pest management control, natural resource management, drought preparedness, emergency animal disease outbreak preparedness and industry development, including research, trade and logistics.