27 April 2026
Hon Anthony Albanese
Prime Minister of Australia
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
By website:https://www.pm.gov.au/contact#no-back
Dear Prime Minister
RE: Agricultural Critical Supply Response AgForce Report
AgForce is a peak organisation representing Queensland cane, cattle, grain and sheep, wool goat producers. The cane, beef, broadacre cropping and sheep, wool goat industries in Queensland generated around $11.2 billion in on-farm value of production in 2022-23. AgForce is the leading voice for Queensland producers and strives to ensure the long-term growth, viability, competitiveness and profitability of these industries. Over 6,000 farmers, individuals and businesses provide support to AgForce through membership. Our members own and manage around 55 million hectares, or a third of the state land area. Queensland producers provide high-quality food and fibre to Australian and overseas consumers, contribute significantly to the social fabric of regional, rural and remote communities, as well as deliver stewardship of the state natural environment.
Please find attached AgForce report, Protecting Food Security, Regional Communities and Agricultural Production Resilience, for your consideration.
In consultation with supply chain partners, Australian Livestock and Feedlot Association and Livestock and Rural Transport Association of Queensland the report outlines emerging risks to Queensland and Australian food and fibre production systems arising from fuel, fertiliser, freight and input cost pressures, and provides practical recommendations to maintain domestic food security, protect regional communities, sustain farm business viability and preserve Australia reputation as a reliable trading partner.
AgForce respectfully submits that agriculture should be recognised as a critical national industry within emergency preparedness and supply response frameworks, given its foundational role in feeding Australians, supporting exports and underpinning regional economies.
The recommendations contained in this report have been informed by producer feedback and industry engagement, and are intended to support coordinated, practical and timely decision-making across all levels of government.
AgForce would welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss the report further and work collaboratively with government on measures that strengthen Australian food production resilience and preparedness.
Yours faithfully,
Niki Ford
Chief Executive Officer
AgForce Queensland Farmers Limited
Enc: AgForce Report: Agricultural Critical Supply Response 2026
Cc:
The Honourable Julie Collins MP
Minister for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
The Honourable Jim Chalmers MP
Treasurer