Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Anne Ruston, has championed Australian agriculture during her trip to the United Kingdom, supported by the National Farmers’ Federation’s trade delegation.
Minister Ruston said strengthening bilateral relations was a key part of her visit to Europe, and the Australian Government valued its long shared history with the UK, especially in the agricultural field.
“Maintaining and growing Australia's $3.1 billion food and agricultural exports into Europe is a focus of the Turnbull Government,” Minister Ruston said.
“The UK is a key partner of Australia in agricultural trade and investment, and it was important to work with the NFF to strengthen our agriculture and trade ties with the UK and other countries.
“Within the European Union, the UK is our second largest agricultural market—with exports valued at $646 million in 2016—and we are committed to growing this trade into the future.
“It was great to be able to hold meetings with George Eustice, Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Therese Coffey, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Environment, to discuss a range of agricultural issues, and advocate for Australia's interests.”
Minister Ruston said the Australian Government has made a concerted effort to champion Australian farmers’ interests in the EU during a critical period of change.
“We are behind our farmers as they sell a premium product to markets across the world,” Minister Ruston said.
“We want to keep the momentum going for Australian agriculture now we have secured a growing number of free trade deals that are expanding export opportunities and jobs for Australians.
“The government is backing the agriculture industry.”
@Anne_Ruston
/AnneRuston