New Foreword by HON Barnaby Joyce MP

Congratulations to all involved with the production of the multi-format publication The Australian Farmer (TAF) since 2017. The importance of publications such as TAF in disseminating the latest information on advanced agricultural principles and practices to our farmers cannot be underestimated. I wish all involved in TAF the very best for the future as you continue to unlock secrets on agricultural science, technology and innovation.

As the population of the planet marches towards 8 billion people, the capacity to feed it slides. The canary in the coal mine is not at the top of the food stack but is seen rather at the bottom. The poorest in the poorest countries eat less or not at all and we are seeing a dramatic increase in food stress and, unfortunately, those who cannot find the required calories a day.

The price effect does, however, ripple upwards. The protein deficit is most apparent in the current price for meat proteins and although this will fluctuate its trend is quite apparent. 

Australia's advantage with our world renowned clean and green reputation, is at the premium end of the market with genuine quality product. We pride ourselves as a major agricultural nation but, in reality, we are a very small part of total global production for which most is domestically consumed in the country of origin. This is why quality will win over quantity as the standard quantity has a huge supply source in most of our target markets.

As the mechanisation and standardisation of agricultural methods continues to progress, trading to lock out price and supply risk will continue to grow. Hopefully, this will assist in anticipation of finance and cash flow planning.

On the small scale we must continue as a nation to welcome and nurture the small agricultural producers and also new entrants. This is our culture, to give everyone a fair go. A market of only big players is the loss of the Australian dream in the cultural heart of who we are. 

The Hon Barnaby Joyce MP

Member for New England

Barnaby was born in Tamworth, New South Wales, and raised as one of six children on a sheep and cattle property 60 km NE of Tamworth at Danglemah near Woolbrook. He is the son of Marie and James Joyce, who were farmers. Barnaby served as the leader of the National Party from 2016 to 2018 and again from 2021 to 2022. He was Deputy Prime Minister of Australia from February 2016 to October 2017, then from December 2017 to February 2018, and again from June 2021 to May 2022. He has been the Member of the Australian Parliament for the Division of New England, which is bigger in land area than Denmark and Austria combined, since 2013. The New England region of NSW is an agricultural powerhouse and a globally significant economy for premium wool, beef, wheat, sorghum, and cotton production, accounting for a fifth of NSW's agricultural output.