The announcement of billions of dollars supporting Australia's agricultural export system has one industry expert licking his lips.
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David Lamb, Food Agility CRC's chief scientist and professor of applied physics and precision agriculture at UNE, said the puzzle piece that was missing has now, finally, been delivered.
However one Gunnedah farmer said the government could improve the system's efficiency all they wanted, but if they didn't reduce export fees to accompany the changes "it'd be pointless".
The Australian Government released its Ag2030 plan, supporting the farm industry's target of $100 billion in farmgate value by 2030, in Tuesday night's budget reveal.
I think it's a massive shot in the arm for producers and value chain actors in general.
- David Lamb
"This is a wonderful example of how government can help our producers as well as our digital innovation ecosystem," he said.
He said it would carry a lot of collateral benefit in enabling the whole digital innovation marketplace in Australian agriculture.
With 70 per cent of Australian farm produce exported, boosting exports and expanding international markets is crucial to the industry's ongoing growth.
This year's budget delivered $328 million for congestion busting through a digital single touch point for exporters, and more streamlining measures specific industries.
Another $28.6 million is going towards simplifying approvals and red tape at the border.
"I think it's a massive shot in the arm for producers and value chain actors in general," Mr Lamb enthused.
"We've all been tiptoeing around that fact that we do all this wonderful stuff in digital for agrifood but still you have to fill your 20 forms out to export."
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He said our region has amazing beef, sheep, grains, wine producers who were pushing hard for value derivation through decommoditisation, brand creation and market access.
"[B]ut we needed to unlock and simplify that last piece of the transaction puzzle - export approval and certification."
But Gunnible Pastoral Company's Robert Hoddle said without a corresponding fee drop it would still be financially burdening.
"I hope they are also addressing the high [Australia Quarantine and Inspection Services] charges too," he said.
"They've always been a problem, the high cost of inspection, and they've just recently put the fees up.
"And now in the budget they are assisting exports, but the best way would be to make those charges realistic and make the process more flexible."