Happy World Food Day!

Australia’s food producers have been recognised for their roles in feeding local and global communities as part of World Food Day (16 October). The theme for World Food Day 2013 is ‘Sustainable Food Systems for Food Security and Nutrition’.

“Food is an important part of our day-to-day lives, and it’s a big part of our economy. Australia is in a strong position as a food producing nation, both locally and globally,” said Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce.

“The contribution farmers and fishers make to Australia’s economy through industry is reflected in the value of our food exports, which were worth $30.5 billion in 2011-12, up 12.3% from the previous year. The total value of Australian farm and fisheries food production was $42.6 billion for the same period, an increase of 3.4%.

“Even after years of challenging climatic conditions, our farmers and fishers still produce enough food to help feed about 40 million people living beyond our borders as well as our own population.

“As well as helping to feed the world, it is great to see that over 90% of the fresh food on Australian tables today is grown and produced here by our local farmers.

“Australian producers are some of the best in the world, and will be a vital part of our nation’s future.”

In 2011-12, 1.64 million people were employed in the food business sector from production through to food service. This figure equates to 15% of total employment in Australia.

Supporting Australian jobs in the food sector and farming communities is a key focus of the Australian Government, Joyce said.

The focus of World Food Day, however, is not simply on food producers: food security and the world’s food systems are also highlighted.

“Why does malnutrition and obesity coexist in Australia in 2013, when we should have one of the best food systems in the world?” asked Associate Professor Heather Yeatman, President of the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA).

“Two of every three adults are overweight or obese and at risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes and related health problems and many Australians are malnourished because they don’t have access to a healthy diet. This is unacceptable and there are few signs of improvement unless we make important changes now.”

According to Yeatman, the three main messages of the recent annual PHAA conference are:

1. Good nutrition and health depend on safe food and healthy diets;
2. Healthy diets require healthy food systems (with education, sanitation and other factors); and
3. Healthy food systems are made possible by appropriate policies, incentives and governance.

“Consumers can do their part by choosing healthy diets and minimising food waste,” said Michael Moore, CEO of the PHAA. “However, food industry and government need to consider the consequences of the National Food Plan policy. Instead of health and wellbeing of the population and the environment it drives for premium prices in trade, increased productivity (by 30% with fewer inputs) and minimum regulation.

“Australia currently has a fairly robust food system but it is failing to support health. Governments need to act to ensure that we have an integrated approach that produces positive health and environmental outcomes.”