The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has renewed its commitment to grow and diversify overseas markets for Australia’s primary producers via a highly successful network of agricultural counsellors.
Deputy Secretary for Agricultural Trade and Regulation Tina Hutchison said DAFF had committed to replenishing 9 counsellor positions in the year ahead.
“Our counsellors are instrumental in maintaining Australia’s multi-billion-dollar ag exports and, like their colleagues, are key to helping the sector meet the $100 billion farm gate production target by 2030,” Ms Hutchison said.
“The counsellors have been crucial in gaining and maintaining market access to support Australia’s international agricultural trade over the past 25 years.
“The counsellor network help establish trading arrangements between Australia and other nations by supporting trade agreement negotiations and multilateral agricultural trade rules and help establish market entry provisions for Australian agricultural produce.
“The network is highly valued by our agricultural industries and also has a key role in solving specific import and export problems when they arise.”
In 2022–23, Australian agricultural, fisheries and forestry exports reached a record $80 billion, with grains, oilseeds and pulses the fastest-growing segment, increasing 11% annually in real value terms since 2003–04.
The 9 positions include filling current vacancies in Japan, Malaysia and the United Kingdom – and 6 expected replacements as counsellors’ deployments delivering for Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry come to an end.
The network currently consists of 19 officers posted in Brussels, Bangkok, Beijing, Santiago, New Delhi, Jakarta, Rome, Tokyo, Mexico City, Seoul, Riyadh, Dubai, Washington DC, and Hanoi.
Postings are typically 3-4 years to maximise opportunities for Australian agriculture in those markets.
Each counsellor location employs locally engaged staff to provide support through language services, stakeholder engagement, knowledge of local customs and etiquette.
