Agriculture in Australia - statistics & facts
Agriculture is one of the most significant industries in Australia, both in terms of domestic production and exports. Through the production of a wide range of primary products such as wheat, milk, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and meat, the sector contributes to an essential share of the country’s GDP. The major export commodities in this sector include beef, wheat, wine, wool, and lamb.
The beef industry is the most significant for Australia regarding animal products. The nation is one of the leading beef exporters in the world. This position will likely remain as the country continues to export most of its red meat. Conversely, Australians’ per capita consumption of beef and veal has declined compared to previous years. Following global trends, consumer preferences have shifted towards fish and poultry products.
The dairy industry in Australia is heavily influenced by international markets, trends, and events, primarily because it is a deregulated, open market. Although most of the dairy products produced in Australia are consumed locally, Australia is a key exporter of dairy, particularly to China and Japan. Thousands of Australians are employed directly through dairy farms or dairy companies. Furthermore, the subsequent processing of dairy products provides even more employment opportunities.
Furthermore, Australia’s agriculture industry is affected by various environmental factors, including flooding, bushfires, and drought. The 2020 bushfire season was particularly damaging, with millions of hectares of agricultural land affected. A recent survey showed that natural disasters and financial stress were the leading reasons for mental health issues among farmers in Australia.
Australia's key agricultural products
Crop production in Australia is vital in providing food and livestock feed. Australia supplies a wide variety of cereals, sugar, and fruit to the rest of the world. Crops include cereals, grains, and legumes, among others. Wheat accounts for the most significant contribution to the production value of cereals but requires a large land area. The yield of wheat in Australia has fluctuated around two metric tons per hectare.The beef industry is the most significant for Australia regarding animal products. The nation is one of the leading beef exporters in the world. This position will likely remain as the country continues to export most of its red meat. Conversely, Australians’ per capita consumption of beef and veal has declined compared to previous years. Following global trends, consumer preferences have shifted towards fish and poultry products.
The dairy industry in Australia is heavily influenced by international markets, trends, and events, primarily because it is a deregulated, open market. Although most of the dairy products produced in Australia are consumed locally, Australia is a key exporter of dairy, particularly to China and Japan. Thousands of Australians are employed directly through dairy farms or dairy companies. Furthermore, the subsequent processing of dairy products provides even more employment opportunities.
Economic and climate issues affecting farmers
The current economic conditions, particularly inflation in Australia, have affected consumer demand and farming supply. Some of the leading issues concerning farmers in Australia include the growing market power of processors or supermarkets, changes to environmental laws, and the state of roads and transport infrastructure in Australia.Furthermore, Australia’s agriculture industry is affected by various environmental factors, including flooding, bushfires, and drought. The 2020 bushfire season was particularly damaging, with millions of hectares of agricultural land affected. A recent survey showed that natural disasters and financial stress were the leading reasons for mental health issues among farmers in Australia.
