National Food Security Strategy and National Food Council
22 August 2025
Following the Federal Government’s announcement of $3.5m to develop a national food security strategy, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has now opened consultation on an initial discussion paper scoping the strategy’s priority areas.
With an anticipated completion date of 2027, the objective of the strategy is to equip the Australian food system with the means to navigate future challenges, including “economic shocks, climate changes, biosecurity threats, or further geopolitical instability”.
In line with the intent to provide a ‘whole of system’ lens, the discussion paper highlights a broad range of issues pertaining to food security including:
- climate and sustainability
- access to food, including in remote communities
- health and nutrition
- trade and market access, and
- national and regional security.
The AFGC will be engaging with the process to ensure that the interests of manufacturers and processors are represented. DAFF have requested feedback on the discussion paper be provided by 24 September.
To provide feedback as part of the AFGC’s submission please contact Rick Umback (rick.umback@afgc.org.au).
National Food Council
The government is also establishing a National Food Council of 10-12 industry experts to advise on the development of the strategy. They are seeking candidates with deep understanding of Australia’s food system (whether primary production, processing, distribution or retail), and demonstrated records of strategic leadership within the sector.
A copy of the full selection documentation is available here, and applications are due to admin@amandaorourke.com.au no later than Wednesday 10 September 2025. The AFGC encourages member companies to consider identifying candidates who would be well-suited to contribute to the National Food Council’s work.
Please contact Rick Umback (rick.umback@afgc.org.au) if you would like to discuss further.
