THE future of the family farm is assured as long as federal Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce has his way.
But it is less certain to find favour under an Opposition government according to Labor Agriculture spokesman Joel Fitzgibbon.
Mr Fitzgibbon explained his thoughts by stating that with 30 per cent of Australian farmers contributing 80pc of national agricultural output there’s a need for further consolidation and more foreign investment if the country takes advantage of unprecedented Asian demand.
“I would be in favour of more corporatisation. We have an enormous opportunity. We need government to make tough decisions,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
Mr Joyce, who was reared on a family farm, said the role of the mum and dad must be retained if rural communities are to survive.
“Corporations have a role to play but they can’t keep the local school open, or help with junior sport. When it comes to that we need to call on the individual,” he said.
