A research report released by Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARES) confirmed Australia’s farmers were among the least subsidised in the world. Australia has one of the lowest levels of agricultural support across the 37 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development member countries.

“This work by our nation’s most respected agricultural research body clearly sets out that our farmers don’t need to rely on handouts to thrive,” said Minister of Agriculture, David Littleproud. “They work mighty hard off their own bat to produce the safe and fresh food trusted by all Australians and sought after by the world.

World Bee Day celebrated on 20th May raised awareness about the essential role these hardworking insects play as pollinators.

Australia is home to over 1,500 species of native bees, and alongside European honey bees, they play an important role in pollinating commercial crops such as mango, blueberry, eggplant, tomato, almonds and macadamia, as well as native plants.

Currently a number of bee pests and diseases are a potential risk to the honey bee industry, environment and to Australia’s native bee populations. In recognition of the crucial role that bees play in supporting food production, the government granted $1.5 million to AgriFutures last year for research to ensure bee health and promote the crucial role bees play in supporting food production.

The Australian Chief Environmental Biosecurity Officer is working with Plant Health Australia to investigate the biosecurity risks to native bees and to improve responsiveness to these risks.

The recent summer of bushfires and drought have had a significant impact on floral reserves and on pollinators. As part of the recovery, beekeepers are currently eligible for grants of up to $75,000 to pay for clean-up and business reinstatement activities.

The hard work being done by farmers and food processors across NSW to continue to put food on supermarket shelves for Australians during this unprecedented crisis has been praised.

Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said farmers had continued to provide Australians with three meals a day while still battling the drought.

“At a time of great uncertainty one guarantee is that our farmers will continue to put three meals on our plates every day. We need our farmers now more than ever,” he said.

While recent summer rainfall has topped up dams and rain tanks and left green pick in paddocks, more widespread rain is needed before the conversation can turn to recovery.

“We can’t complain about any amount of rain, every drop in the paddock counts, but we still have a long way to go before we bounce back from this drought,” he said.

“While conversations across the world have rightly turned to beating this virus, we know that more needs to be done to make it through this drought so we can keep feeding Australia and the world.”

“We have seen an incredible uptake of grants under the Drought Transport Subsidy program and funding continues to roll out through the Farm Innovation Fund.”

“Every farmer has had their LLS rates, fixed water charges and vehicle registration costs waived by the NSW Government because we know every dollar saved today will make a difference tomorrow.”

“To all of our farmers and their families I want to say thank you and assure you that we will continue to go above and beyond the $1.9 billion in emergency drought support.”