The Australian Government announced today that it will release a paper outlining potential policy and regulatory framework changes within the Australian food industry as the next step of Australia’s ‘National Food Plan’.

The National Food Plan was initiated by the Australian Government in June 2011 when it released an ‘issues paper’. This was followed by 10 weeks of public consultation. The next step, a green paper, will provide stakeholders with a chance to contribute before a white paper is prepared.

Addressing an audience at the Victorian Rural Press Club this week, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig said the government is currently analysing and considering the full extent of issues raised in response to the issues paper, and has already begun work developing the green paper.
According to Senator Ludwig, feedback on the green paper will inform the National Food Plan, to be released as a white paper. He said, “The food plan will be a significant policy statement that serves as a platform for better informed and more strategic policy directions for Australia’s food sector.”

Minister Ludwig said the objectives of the National Food Plan include:
– Identifying and mitigating potential risks to Australia’s food security
– Contributing to global food security
– Reducing barriers to a safe and nutritious food supply
– Supporting the long-term economic, environmental and social sustainability of Australia’s food supply chain
– Supporting the global competitiveness and productivity growth of the food supply chain, including through research, science and innovation
– Reducing barriers faced by food businesses to access international; and domestic markets

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