This green paper aims to deepen understanding of food security as a key public policy issue, stimulate public discussion, inform policymaking and provide both government and key stakeholders with policy options for consideration. The 14 recommended policy options have been designed to equip governments and the private sector with structured national-security-inspired assessment tools and a framework to continuously identify, prioritise and mitigate vulnerabilities.

Australia’s agriculture sector and food system produce enough food to feed more than 70 million people worldwide. The system is one of the world’s least subsidised food systems. It has prospered under a global rules-based system but it now faces chronic challenges due to rising geopolitical tensions, geo-economic transitions, climate change, deteriorating water security and rapid technological advances. The world is changing so rapidly that the assumptions, policy approaches and economic frameworks that have traditionally supported Australia’s food security are no longer fit for purpose. 

Informed by six months of consultations with government, the private sector and civil society, the paper combines applied policy analysis and real-world insights to promote deliberate conversation about protecting Australia’s food security with the same priority as protecting Australia’s national security. 

Key recommended policy options

• All levels of government and industry should conceptualise Australia’s agriculture sector and food system as a food security ecosystem.
• The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry should be formally designated as the lead agency responsible for the food system and food security preparedness.
• The Office of National Intelligence should conduct a dedicated biennial intelligence assessment of the threats to Australia’s food security ecosystem to inform public- and private-sector preparedness activities and priorities.
• Each domain within the food security ecosystem should initiate a coordinated and systematic process to identify and understand its drivers, risks, threats and vulnerabilities in the context of Australia’s current strategic circumstances.
• Australia should establish dedicated food security funding and performance targets within Australia’s international development program to support the regional food security, trade and investment strategy.