Coalition promises funding for agriculture R&D

The Coalition has announced its agriculture policy, promising $147 million for the sector if it wins the election.

Announced by Shadow Agriculture Minister John Cobb, the package will include $100 million for agricultural R&D; $20 million for a biosecurity and quarantine ‘emergency response team’; $8 million earmarked to fast-track the registration of minor use chemicals; $2 million for agricultural education; and $15 million to help small exporters gain market access.

The proposed R&D funding will be for projects focused on enhancing agricultural productivity and is expected to involve broad industry consultation.

The biosecurity funding will support a quick response to biosecurity breaches involving plant and animal pests, diseases and weeds. Myrtle rust, a fungus that affects Australian natives such as bottlebrushes, tea tree and eucalypts, and the Asian honey bee are examples of two past biosecurity incursions.

The Coalition also announced that they plan to develop an agricultural white paper, which is aimed at increasing the productivity and profitability of the sector.