The first episode of a new satirical program which comically delves into the private lives of the Prime Minister and her partner Tim Mathieson, brought the serious issue of Australia’s food security into the spotlight, said AUSVEG Communications and Public Affairs Manager, William Churchill.

“Last night was a great opportunity for Australians watching the episode of ‘At Home with Julia’ to take a moment to pause and think seriously about where their food is actually coming from,” said Mr Churchill.

AUSVEG is the national Peak Industry Body representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.

“I would also like to know where my Roma tomatoes are coming from. Are they being produced in Australia, or are they, like other field tomatoes coming from New Zealand? Are my New England onions coming from Australia or have they been imported from the USA?” said Mr Churchill.

Australia faces many issues relating to food security and a National Food Plan is currently being assembled which will be an important document to guide the future of how Australia feeds itself.

“Australia is a net importer of vegetables with a trade deficit of $306 million for the last financial year. We import more vegetables than we export and as a result Australian farmers are put under immense pressure because they can’t compete with cheap imported produce,” said Mr Churchill.

“Importing potatoes into Australia from New Zealand means the industry is also facing the threat of allowing potatoes into the country that are contaminated with Zebra Chip disease. A disease that costs the New Zealand industry NZ$28 million annually.”

“So the next time you pick up your Roma tomatoes or your New England onions, or you watch ‘At Home with Julia’, remember that food security is a serious concern for the future of agriculture,” said Mr Churchill.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: William Churchill, Communications and Public Affairs Manager, AUSVEG
Phone: (03) 9822 0388, Mobile: 0411 166 748, Email: william.churchill@ausveg.com.au