DAFF News
January 2012

Contents

• Support Australian producers
• Consider a summer farmstay
• Sustainable fishing encouraged

Support Australian Producers These Holidays

Australians are being encouraged to support local producers this holiday season.

When you’re shopping for picnics, lunches and dinners these holidays, start with some tasty Queensland prawns, West Australian crayfish or Tasmanian oysters. Sit down to a plump central Victoria turkey or some South Australian smoked ham on the bone. Enjoy roast potatoes from Victoria and carrots from Queensland. 

The growers that were impacted by Tropical Cyclone Yasi are back on their feet so include a bunch of bananas in your shopping. And when packing for a day at the beach include some of Sunraysia’s juicy oranges and stone fruit.

Our seafood industry is a key regional employer, with more than 17,000 people directly and many more indirectly in processing, importing, distribution and retailing.

Over the past year many farmers have dealt with devastating bushfires, floods and cyclones, but due to their resilience and hard work they have bounced back and are again producing high quality fresh produce for Australia and overseas markets.

All fresh produce, including seafood, must be labelled with the country of origin. These labels assist consumers to make an informed choice when making their purchases.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, said Australia’s agricultural sector remains in a strong position with 98 per cent of our fresh produce grown and supplied by our very own farmers.

“The best way for Australians to thank our farmers for their hard work this year, is to buy their products these holidays,” Minister Ludwig said.

Consider a Farmstay This Summer

If you're looking for holiday options this year, consider supporting Australian industry by staying on a farm. 

Australian farmers lead the world in production and efficiency and many run agritourism businesses alongside their primary production activities.

These operations, which showcase quality Australian food and fibre, give consumers an understanding of how it is all produced.

An ABARES 2010 report Drivers of regional agritourism and food tourism in Australia found that while agritourism and food tourism were often used to supplement existing farm income, for some involved in these activities it made up the majority of their income.

Holiday makers can type into their search engine ‘farmstay’ or ‘rural holidays’ and see the great range of holiday experiences that are available in our rural areas.

Practice Sustainable Fishing These Holidays

Australians are reminded to use sustainable recreational fishing practices throughout the festive season.

Australia is one of the world's last great fishing frontiers with its huge, diverse coastline and limited yet valuable freshwater resources.

With more than 3.4 million Australians enjoying recreational fishing every year, it is important that we protect these resources for future generations. 

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, said the government is committed to working with the recreational fishing industry to ensure sustainability, whilst maintaining a healthy fishing industry.

“In support of the Australian Government’s recreational fishing strategy, we have invested $1.74 million in recreational fishing projects in 2011.” 

To find out about the Recreational Fishing Industry Development Strategy and recreational fishing projects, visit the DAFF website: 'Recreational fishing'.