Growth of $60b forecast
National Farmers Federation chief executive Simon Talbot revealed his aspirations to more than double the value of Australian agriculture by 2030, at the recent WAFarmers conference.
Mr Talbot said 2014 marked a record year for Australian agriculture, feeding 70 million people globally.
But he said this could double by 2030, with Australia feeding 140 million people throughout the world.
This would increase the current value of Australia's agriculture from about $40 billion to $100 billion annually by 2030, meaning agriculture could be a major driving force in Australia's economy.
Mr Talbot said his growth in values took into account a standard growth trajectory in prices and accounted for the falling Australian dollar, which made a big impact on export commodity prices.
He said his aspirations assumed improved farm productivity, Free Trade Agreements, good farm succession planning and a step change in infrastructure investment (with between $1.2 trillion and $1.8 trillion infrastructure investment required).
"Even if we assume we can get all this, we still fundamentally have a major problem - with youth," he said.
"Who is going to run and operate these farms? We need 100,000 agribusiness professionals or farmers at the farm gate.
"But where do they come from? There has been a 35 per cent decline in agricultural college enrolments in the last 10 year and 26 per cent decline in agricultural scientist enrolments.
"Collectively we need to solve this problem or we will never realise our industry's potential."
Mr Talbot said to attract more young people into an agricultural career, the perception of farming needed to change.
"The average perception of an Australian farmer in the cities is that of a 65-year-old man with red dirt and a face in the drought," he said.
"We need to change that image to one of a young, vibrant, entrepreneurial farmer, who is proudly making a good income and living in a vibrant regional rural community."
Mr Talbot said the industry needed to be smarter about how it could bring youth back on to the land.
In addition to changing the image of farming, equity gains, share gains and co farming opportunities were all important.
Mr Talbot said technology and innovation would be key drivers and motivators.
Technology could ensure the best brands, consumer insights and information on QR codes.
In terms of productivity, technology could ensure costs were being reduced without compromising safety systems.
Mr Talbot said NFF was developing and engaging with WAFarmers and other State-based organisations to develop a tailored farmer dashboard.
"Farmers could log on and tick what they are interested in, from 40 different variables, for example media, innovation, technology, market access and MLA figures," he said.
"When a farmer ticks the box, he or she gets a dashboard.
"This aims to connect every farmer online, with better access to what they want to see."
The move is supported by the National Broadband Network, which last week announced further investment in towers throughout WA.
He said a modern, innovative online farming community would help to change the perception of farming.
Mr Talbot said a 20-year view was important in respect to the future of agriculture.
"We can't be chopping or changing based on electoral cycles or outcomes," he said
"Otherwise we won't achieve the aspiration of feeding 140 million people. We need to connect and have a unified voice. By putting the farmer first we can realise our potential."
