Australian – European Union Free Trade Agreement: Geographical Indications public objections process
The Australian Government is running a public objections process on the list of geographical indications the EU wants Australia to protect in a free trade agreement. For more information on what this means and how you can make a submission go to the Trade and Market Access page.
The food industry is integral to Australia’s economic and social prosperity. It consistently accounts for around 20 per cent of domestic manufacturing sales and service income. Australia also has a reputation internationally as a modern, safe, reliable and sustainable producer of food.
The overwhelming majority of food sold in Australia is grown and supplied by Australian farmers. We are able to export more than half of our agricultural produce, while more than 90 per cent of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, milk and eggs sold in supermarkets are domestically produced. Of the foods imported into Australia, a substantial proportion comprised highly processed foods not produced in Australia, speciality branded spirits, seafood and processed fruit and vegetables.
A comprehensive analysis of the Australian food industry is provided in the department’s Australian Food Statistics series.
What we do
The Department of Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is responsible for policy and programs that support a globally competitive and sustainable Australian food industry. Key areas of focus include the development of competitive agricultural policy, food value chain policy and food regulation reform.
The department is working with other Australian Government agencies such as the Department of Health and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), as well as state and territory governments, to simplify and streamline food regulation and labelling. Together our aim is to ensure a more efficient and effective domestic food regulatory system that protects public health and safety while recognising the need for an internationally competitive food industry.
We work with the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, which has a focus on the food processing and manufacturing sectors.
We also work with industry to address potential gaps or vulnerabilities in the food chain safety and security system, and are committed to ensuring that Australian interests are considered in the development of international food standards.