The Australian food industry, as our nation’s largest manufacturing industry, is a major driver of employment, wealth and prosperity. Australia’s competitive advantage in food production is underpinned by an abundance of arable land that is used to produce a wide range of food commodities across temperate, sub-tropical and tropical agricultural systems.

Many Australians in rural, regional and metropolitan areas are engaged in the production, processing, packaging, storage, transport, distribution, marketing and retailing of Australian food products.

Around two thirds of Australian food commodities are destined for export markets. Food exports totalled more than $23 billion in 2006-07, compared to food imports of around $8 billion.

Australia’s processed food industry realised sales and service income of more than $71 billion in 2005-06, underlining the opportunities to value-add to local farm produce in delivering high-quality, affordable, tasty and convenient food to Australian consumers.

Source: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry