Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the report confirmed Australian farmers do not rely on handouts to thrive.
“They work mighty hard off their own bat to produce the safe and fresh food trusted by all Australians and sought after by the world,” Mr Littleproud said.
“In fact, Australia has one of the lowest levels of agricultural support across the 37 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development member countries even when compared to major emerging economies.”
Mr Littleproud said the report supported the view that removing subsidies spurs overall sector growth, increases participation in global markets and the contribution agriculture makes to the economy.
“Recent OECD research also points to the fact that countries that have lower subsidies have agricultural sectors that perform better, with their farm incomes growing faster than heavily subsidised ones,” he said.
“We will always back our farmers and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them when the times get tough.
“But the Australian Government recognises that investing in agricultural innovation and biosecurity, incentivising biodiversity efforts and opening up trade opportunities are the keys to unlocking growth.”
To read the ABARES Analysis of government support for Australian agricultural producers report, visit: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/trade/analysis-of-government-support-agricultural-producers
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