Valuable livestock and seed genetics will be preserved through the Liberals and Nationals Government’s commitment to national genebanks.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said genebanks were a way of future-proofing Australian agriculture.
“Farming in Australia is not without risk. We all do what we can to mitigate risks, but it’s always good to have an insurance policy just in case,” Minister Littleproud said.
“It is only a Liberal and National government that has the foresight to put this genebank in place to protect our livestock industry.
“That’s what these genebanks are – a way of securing high value genetic lines in case of an emergency, such as fire, flood or a biosecurity incursion.
“They’re also important for research. By having a storage bank of genetic material, we can leverage co-investment and research to develop breeds and cultivars that will suit our unique environment.
“And a little bit goes a long way – the Australian Pastures Genebank was estimated in a 2017 review to contribute between $62.5 and $250 million in improved agricultural productivity every year.
“Ensuring that our farmers can rebound after an environmental disaster or disease outbreak and improve our research capabilities supports the agricultural industry’s goal of $100 billion in farm gate value by 2030.”
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said today’s announcement will directly benefit livestock producers and farmers in Capricornia.
“Events like fires and floods have a significant effect on Australian agriculture including in Capricornia and impose a significant loss of valuable agricultural genetics,” Ms Landry said.
“Genebanks create a safety net for farmers during events that cannot be avoided, such as destocking
Fast Facts:
- Design of the National Livestock Genebank to be informed by a CSIRO feasibility study, initiated by our government, on options best suited to Australia’s needs
- Australian Pastures Genebank to be provided short-term funding security for transition to alternative longer-term management arrangements.
- Countries such as the USA, Germany and the Netherlands have established national livestock genebanks.
- Continuous livestock improvement is crucial to adapt to environmental change.
