THE National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed a new report detailing the economic potential of Indigenous agricultural products, which generated an estimated $1.4 billion last financial year.
The study also examined the value of a credential system that would enable Indigenous-made agricultural products to be labelled and differentiated in market.
Federation president David Jochinke said it was important to have figures to support the labelling idea.
“This report shows there is significant demand for Indigenous agriculture products and interest along supply chains in a credential,” Mr Jochinke said.
By 2030, Indigenous agriculture could contribute more than $2 billion of the $100 billion goal set for the sector by industry and government.
But Mr Jochinke said there was a large difference in the potential market size for any future credential and label depending on how an Indigenous business is classified.
“Partnerships are still a very common legal arrangement in agriculture, including between Indigenous and non-Indigenous parties. We have clearly heard though from Indigenous stakeholders about the importance of setting a high bar for levels of Indigenous ownership and control underpinning any certification system,” he said.
“Our work has confirmed a core question for any future credential system will be where to draw this line, while keeping with the overall objective of driving greater Indigenous economic self-determination. The size of the Indigenous agriculture sector, and scope for a credential, is estimated to be more than three times larger if partnerships are included.
“We will continue to look for an emerging consensus among Indigenous stakeholders on this question into the New Year,” he said.
The study has also found many but not most retail consumers are prepared to pay more for credentialed products and that a key inhibitor of future growth for the sector is likely to be consistency of supply.
The report forms part of the Indigenous Agricultural Product Framework project.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is funding the project through a grant provided to the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation. The aim of the grant is to support the development of Australia’s first Indigenous Agricultural Product Framework. The NFF is managing the project for ILSC with assistance from consultants, yamagigu. It is due to conclude with a final report to DAFF and ISLC in June 2025.
ILSC Group chief executive, Joe Morrison said the new figures show the economic benefits to Indigenous communities could be profound.
“By aligning cultural connection and sustainable practices, we unlock pathways for First Nations communities to contribute significantly to Australia’s economy while honouring their deep ties to Country,” Mr Morrison said.
“Elevating Indigenous voices to define and shape the future of agriculture is a step toward greater self-determination, enabling First Nations people to lead in ways that respect and sustain their connections to Country.”
Mr Jochinke said he was excited to see the project move to the next stage.
“We’ll now examine the potential future demand for Indigenous agricultural products in overseas markets,” Mr Jochinke said.
The NFF and yamagigu will co-host a public webinar on Friday, 6 December, where findings from the report will be unpacked in more detail.
The webinar is open to all who practice or have an interest in Indigenous agriculture.
The webinar will be on Friday, December 6, from 12pm-1.30pm (AEDT).
Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/e6e65504-2483-4910-a45d-c75ae720696d@7a386100-22f6-4adc-b20a-22dec1256272/registration
