Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) predicts Australian farmgate production will break records at $66.3 billion this year.  ABARES’ June quarter 2021 Agriculture Commodities report shows how the sector has navigated the uncertainties and challenges posed by COVID-19, as well as changes in the international trade landscape. 

The value of agricultural exports is forecast at just under $47B in 2020-21, according to ABARES acting executive director Dr Jared Greenville.  “ABARES has revised both the gross value of production and the value of exports up by $400M from earlier estimates,” Greenville said. 

“This is due to strong domestic livestock prices and because the pace of Australian grain exports has been faster than expected, after harvesting the second largest winter crop on record.  “We have seen an impressive turnaround in wheat, barley and canola shipments. Particularly for barley, this result demonstrates the resilience of supply chains, the benefits of a diversified production base and access to a diverse range of international markets,” he said. 

For 2021-22, the gross value of production is forecast to fall from the record high to a still impressive $65B. “Prospects are positive for the next winter crop which has seen record high area planted, but it’s very unlikely to see two record years back-to-back,” Greenville said. 

“The value of exports is forecast to grow to $49.7B in 2021-22, driven by higher beef, wool and dairy exports, as well as a sharp recovery in cotton exports. “Herd and flock rebuilding is still ongoing but we are expecting more animals to begin flowing into meat processing in 2021-22, which is also likely to ease margin pressures on the red meat processing sector,” he said. 

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