The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has released on 1 March 2012 Farm Facts 2012, which shows that agriculture continues to grow both its food and fibre production and its contribution to Australia’s economy.

“Australian farmers produce almost 93 percent of Australia’s daily domestic food supply, and that the average Australian farmer grows enough food to feed 600 people: 150 at home and 450 abroad.” NFF President Jock Laurie said.

“And the challenge of increasing productivity enough to meet the growing global demand for food and fibre. The UN estimates that production will need to increase by 70 percent by 2050 in order to meet the world population need – which is why increased investment in research and development for Australian agriculture is critical, to ensure that our farmers can achieve this great task.

The following are some Farm Facts about Australian food produced on farms.

Australian Beef Farm Facts

In total, Australian beef cattle farmers produce 2.1 million tonnes of beef and veal each year. ABARES, Australian Commodity Statistics, 2011

Australians eat an average 33kg of beef and veal per person, per year. This has remained relatively constant for the last 15 years. Meat & Livestock Australia, Fast Facts 2011: Australia’s Beef Industry

Over the last recorded 12 months, Australians spent $6.7 billion on beef. In terms of volume, beef is the second most popular fresh meat consumed through the food service industry (after chicken). Meat & Livestock Australia, Fast Facts 2011: Australia’s Beef Industry

Australia exported 937,301 tonnes of beef and veal in 2010-11, worth $4.5 billion. The major export markets for beef and veal are Japan (37 percent), the United States (17 percent) and Korea (15 percent). Meat & Livestock Australia, Fast Facts 2011: Australia’s Beef Industry

Australian Dairy Farm Facts

Australian dairy farmers produce 9,102 million litres of whole milk per year with the farmgate value of milk production being $4 billion. ABARES, Australian Commodity Statistics, 2011.

In terms of the utilisation of Australian milk in 2008-09, the share of volume produced is as follows: Cheese (34 percent), Skim milk, Powder, Butter (24 percent), Milk (25 percent), Whole milk powder (11 percent), Casein/butter (3 percent) and Other (3 percent). Dairy Australia, Australian Dairy Industry In Focus 2010.

Australians eat an average of 12.9 kg of cheese, 7.1 kg of yoghurt and 102.4 litres of market milk per person, per year. Dairy Australia, Australian Dairy Industry In Focus 2010.

Australia accounts for 10 percent of the world trade in dairy products, behind New Zealand (35 percent) and the European Union (32 percent). Dairy Australia, Australian Dairy Industry In Focus 2010.

Australian Rice Farm Facts

By 2010-11, the rice harvest had more than tripled to 726,000 tonnes, the largest crop in four years with yields of 9.7 tonnes per hectare. ABARES, Australian Commodities, 2011

Australian rice growers surpassed the international average production of 5.4 tonnes per hectare 45 years ago. The Australian rice industry averages 8.6 tonnes per hectare. Australian Bureau of Statistics, Agricultural Commodities, 2008-2009, Catalogue No. 7121.0

In 2010-11, 65,000 tonnes of rice were exported, with a total export value of $61 million. ABARES, Australian Commodity Statistics 2011.

Australian rice growers use up to five times less water to produce a kilo of rice than overseas growers. International Rice Research Institute, Manila, Philippines, 2004

Australian dried fruits

As of 2010-11, total Australian dried fruit exports totalled 1,800 tonnes and was valued at $17 million. This is considerably lower than the value of dried fruit exported in 1996-97 totalling $62 million. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australian Food Statistics 2004 & ABARES, Australian Commodity Statistics, 2010.

On average, each Australian eats 2.75kg of dried fruit per year. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australian Food Statistics 2009-10

 

For more farm facts, please visit http://www.nff.org.au/commodities.html