Inquiry report is food for thought

With Victoria’s population expected to top 10 million by 2051 and urbanisation rapidly encroaching on farmland, the Lower House inquiry determined a whole-of-government, whole-of-food-system response is required.

‘The challenge of feeding and housing our expanding community is placing agriculture under pressure,’ Committee Chair Juliana Addison said.

“ ‘A cohesive policy approach is needed to secure the state’s food supply into the future.’ ”

Committee Chair Juliana Addison

The Victorian Food System Strategy would encompass the entire food system in Victoria, including agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, supply and consumption.

A Victorian Food System Council would be appointed to guide the development and implementation of the strategy.

During its inquiry, the Committee heard how farming on the urban fringe is becoming expensive and unprofitable, and conflicts are arising between residential and agricultural landowners as they move closer together due to developments.

The report urges the State Government to maintain Melbourne’s urban growth boundary and prevent piecemeal development in the farmland surrounding the city.

“ ‘Farmers are at the heart of our food system and healthy food is foundational to the wellbeing of Victorians.' ”

Committee Chair Juliana Addison

For 12 months the inquiry examined the state’s food bowl and the pressures it is facing.

After receiving 67 submissions from the public, the Committee held hearings in Melbourne and the regional areas of Morwell, Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo.

‘I thank all those organisations and individuals, particularly farmers, who assisted the Committee with its inquiry through written submissions, by appearing at public hearings, or by hosting a farm visit,’ Ms Addison said.

‘Your expertise, and the experiences you shared, have shaped the findings and recommendations made in this report to strengthen Victoria’s food supply.’

All of the report’s 33 recommendations and 29 findings are focused primarily on the state’s food supply, population growth and urban sprawl, protecting agricultural land, agricultural covenants, supporting farmers and food system resilience.

Read it in full, along with other inquiry related information on the Committee’s website.