Australia’s food system, valued at around $800 billion, carries significant “hidden costs” potentially amounting to $274 billion, making it one of the highest per capita figures globally. This alarming data comes from the CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, which conducted the first comprehensive assessment of the country’s food system, outlining both its achievements and challenges.
Currently, approximately 100,000 farmers are responsible for feeding not just Australia’s population of 27 million but also around 100 million people worldwide. The recent report emphasises the urgent need for a revamped management and reporting approach to tackle pressing issues such as enhancing resilience in the agricultural sector, ensuring equitable access to healthy food, and achieving sustainability goals.
Among the critical findings, the hidden costs predominantly stem from environmental and health impacts, highlighting the pressing need for reform. The report’s authors noted that these costs are the highest per person in comparison to other countries.
Dr Michael Robertson, CSIRO Agriculture and Food Director, discussed the importance of regular assessments in understanding the complexities of our food system. He pointed out that it encompasses more than mere production and exportation; it also includes the vital need for equal access to nutritious and sustainably produced food for all Australians. Robertson stressed the shared responsibility to rigorously pursue these objectives intergenerationally.
Despite its economic success and considerable contribution to employment in regional areas, the food system lacks a coherent national policy. CSIRO sustainability research director, Larelle McMillan, highlighted that various government portfolios relevant to the food system—such as agriculture, environment, and health—need better integration.
To improve the situation, McMillan advocated for a coordinated reporting system that would enable a comprehensive overview of the food system and its interactions. This approach would help identify deficiencies, particularly as nearly one-third of Australian households experience moderate to severe food insecurity annually. Such insights could be pivotal in gathering diverse perspectives to pave the way for sustainable, healthy, and affordable food solutions for all Australians.
The call to action presents a clear vision for Australia’s food landscape, aiming to balance economic success with the necessity for equity, health, and environmental sustainability, ensuring that the system works for everyone.