NFF Welcomes Southeast Asia Trade Report

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the release of the Trading North Inquiry report by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture, which examines the role of Australian agriculture in Southeast Asia.

NFF President David Jochinke praised the report for reaffrming the vital relationship between Australian agriculture and Southeast Asian nations and for endorsing recommendations aimed at strengthening ties in the years ahead.

“Over recent decades, the relationship between the agriculture industry and our Southeast Asian partners has grown strongly,” Mr. Jochinke said.

In the past fve years alone, Australian agricultural exports to Southeast Asia have nearly doubled, reaching $17.2 billion in 2023. Currently, the region accounts for approximately 23% of all Australian agricultural exports, underscoring its importance as a key trading partner.

Beyond Trade: A Collaborative Future

While trade fows are critical, the relationship with Southeast Asia extends far beyond exports. Mr. Jochinke highlighted areas such as:

• Capacity building and interpersonal relationships.

• Cooperation on shared challenges like biosecurity.

• Collaborative efforts to address food security.

The report acknowledges the success of existing initiatives such as the Australian Agriculture Counsellors network, the Cairns Group of Farm Leaders, and the Special Representative for Australian Agriculture, and calls for continued and expanded support for these programs.

“It’s vital that the relationship between the Australian agriculture industry and Southeast Asia continues to fourish,” Mr. Jochinke said. “This partnership benefts both regions and supports our goal of becoming a $100 billion industry while also increasing trade diversifcation.”

“Team Australia” Approach

The report also underscores the importance of the “Team Australia” approach, where different agricultural commodities collaborate under a unifed strategy.

“The ‘Team Australia’ approach is something the NFF has long championed. It’s effective in fostering partnerships and addressing key areas like sustainability,” Mr. Jochinke said.

By promoting long-term investment in relationships and emphasizing mutual benefts, the report reinforces the need for government and industry to work together to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia.

Looking Ahead

The NFF has actively contributed to the inquiry, making a submission in May and appearing before the committee in August. Moving forward, the Federation is committed to leveraging the report’s fndings to deepen the agriculture sector’s relationship with Southeast Asia.

“The NFF looks forward to continuing to grow our industry’s relationship with Southeast Asia,” Mr. Jochinke concluded.

This strengthened partnership promises to deliver signifcant economic and sustainability benefts for both regions while paving the way for a robust and diversifed future for Australian agriculture.

During the week ending November 27, 2024, low-pressure systems and troughs delivered widespread rainfall across much of Australia. Southern cropping regions experienced notable precipitation, with rainfall totals ranging from 10 to 50 millimetres recorded across Victoria, southern New South Wales, and parts of eastern South Australia.

However, cropping regions in central and northern New South Wales, Queensland, and most of Western Australia were relatively dry, generally receiving 0 to 10 millimetres of rainfall.

In south-eastern Australia, the signifcant rainfall likely caused delays in the harvest of remaining winter crops, impacting progress in these critical agricultural areas.

Rainfall Forecast

In the coming days, low-pressure systems are expected to bring rain across all Australian states and territories.

• Eastern Australia: Cropping regions in New South Wales and parts of northern and southern Queensland are forecast to receive 50 to 100 millimetres of rainfall. The remainder of Queensland, New South Wales, and much of Victoria is expected to see 15 to 50 millimetres.

• Western and Southern Australia: Rainfall in cropping regions of South Australia and Western Australia is anticipated to be lighter, with lower totals compared to eastern regions.

For summer cropping regions in New South Wales and Queensland, this rainfall is likely to enhance soil moisture levels, supporting the germination and growth of crops already planted.

Seasonal Rainfall Outlook

Looking ahead to the December 2024 to February 2025 period, the national rainfall outlook indicates a strong likelihood of above-median rainfall in many eastern and western regions.

• High Rainfall Regions: o Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, and Victoria are expected to see higher-than-median rainfall. o Eastern cropping regions have a 75% probability of receiving 50 to 200 millimetres, with the most substantial totals forecast for Queensland and northern New South Wales.

• Moderate Rainfall Region: o South Australia is forecast to receive

25 to 50 millimetres, while parts of eastern Victoria and Western Australia could see up to 100 millimetres. These favourable conditions are expected to support summer cropping across key agricultural zones, particularly in the eastern states.

Water Storage and Allocation Updates

• Murray-Darling Basin Storage: Water storage levels in the Murray-Darling Basin declined by 174 gigalitres (GL) between November 21 and November 28, 2024. The current storage volume stands at 16,131 GL, equivalent to 72% of total capacity. This is 17% (3,399 GL) lower than at the same time last year.

• Water Allocation Prices: Prices for water allocations in the Victorian Murray below the Barmah Choke decreased from $145/ ML on November 21 to $136/ML on November 28. Prices remain lower in regions above the Barmah Choke, due to binding trade constraints in that area.

This combination of rainfall patterns, seasonal forecasts, and water availability highlights both opportunities and challenges for Australian agriculture as the country transitions into the summer cropping season.