Agriculture and irrigation still the strong base for our economy.
It is well known that most agricultural sectors have enjoyed several strong seasons recently. Although some headwinds are emerging particularly for horticulture, recent data has given us some insight into where our region sits in the national picture.
The overall picture is complex and driven by externalities such as international market access, trade restrictions, exchange rates, conflict (particularly in Ukraine) and seasonal conditions in our competitors’ regions. Dairy has rebounded, grains remain strong, protein has eased but is still in good shape, and fibre is also in a good place.
Recent ABS data has been promoted as revealing where the ‘capital of Australian agriculture is’. The local government area of Mildura topped the nation for value of farmgate receipts at $1.13B for the 2020/21 year. However, close analysis of the ‘league ladder’ showed that Mildura was an outpost in its region, with no adjoining local government area in the top 15 shires. Similarly, Toowoomba, at number two ($1.09B), adjoined only the Western Downs council ($0.83B), for a regional total of $1.92B.
Our rich irrigation district the GMID, included four council areas in the top 15 in the country. Campaspe ($0.78B), Swan Hill ($0.76B), Greater Shepparton ($0.73B) and Moira ($0.72B) plus Gannawarra lower down the list ($0.28B) combine for a regional farmgate output of $3.3B dollars.
This concentration of production is unique in Australia, and in a completely different league to any other region. Importantly, it does not take into account our food processing sector, and we add more value to our milk and fruit than anywhere else.
So, while our broader economy continues to grow and diversify, it is good to remember that we are still in the midst of a truly remarkable agricultural region, built on efficient and affordable irrigation.
In these times of anxiety about global food security, affordability and supply, we should be singing the story of this success from our rooftops to everyone who will listen.
