Page 33 - Food&Drink magazine July 2022

5VALUE-ADDED COMMODITIES TO COMBAT COSTS
The soaring costs involved in food production are continuing to drive food price inflation. High fuel and spiking fertiliser prices are squeezing margins for farmers. Labour costs are rising. So how can food producers remain profitable?
As a nation, Australia creates enough food for 75 million people according to the Australian Food and Grocery Council. We’re also the highest-cost processor for most foods. The more value we can addtocommodities,themore
sustainable it will be for producers. This is a key opportunity for the industry, as Austrade has also observed. Research shows that consumers are becoming much more particular about safety, sustainability and quality while the National Farmers Federation is advocating for disruptive technologies to unlock productivity across the sector, including automation.
Australia already has a stellar food exporter reputation with many countries turning to us for premium beef, lamb, seafood and wine and cheeses.
Buttofurtherunlockthe
FAR LEFT & LEFT: Remo Carbone says there was impressive automation and robotics technology on display at IFFA 2022 but the focus is still on basic tasks.
“ By developing world-class tools and technologies, we can enhance the value of Australian exports, and give the sector a greater competitive edge.”
commercial potential of innovation, we need public and private R&D efforts working seamlessly together.
By developing world-class tools and technologies, we can enhance the value of Australian exports, and give the sector a greater competitive edge in global markets.
Overall, IFFA and the forum were great working examples of whytheglobalagriculturaland
food processing industries need to come together to share progress, identify gaps in the system, and where possible, lean on government assistance where possible.
This is a difficult time for agriculture and many industries, but Australia does have the tools, expertise, and motivation to weather the storm and emerge as the leadingglobalfoodsupplier. ✷
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