The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed a new report detailing the economic potential of Indigenous agricultural products.
The study also examined the value of a credential system that would enable Indigenous-made agricultural products to be labelled and differentiated in market.
NFF President David Jochinke said it was important to have figures to support the labelling idea.
He said “This report shows there is significant demand for Indigenous agriculture products and interest along supply chains in a credential”.
The report estimates the total current economic contribution of Indigenous agriculture could be worth more than $1.4 billion in FY 2023-24, creating almost 2000 jobs.
By 2030, Indigenous agriculture could contribute over $2 billion of the $100 billion goal set for the sector by industry and government.
But Mr Jochinke said there was a large difference in the potential market size for any future credential and label depending on how an Indigenous business is classified.
He said “Partnerships are still a very common legal arrangement in agriculture, including between Indigenous and non-Indigenous parties.
We have clearly heard though from Indigenous stakeholders about the importance of setting a high bar for levels of Indigenous ownership and control underpinning any certification system.”
“Our work has confirmed a core question for any future credential system will be where to draw this line, while keeping with the overall objective of driving greater Indigenous economic self-determination.
The size of the Indigenous agriculture sector, and scope for a credential, is estimated to be more than three times larger if partnerships are included.
“We will continue to look for an emerging consensus among Indigenous stakeholders on this question into the New Year.
The study has also found some retail consumers are prepared to pay more for credentialed products and that a key inhibitor of future growth for the sector is likely to be consistency of supply.
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