As Australia comes under attack for unfair claims about subsidised barley production, it's probably a good time to remind our overseas customers - and our own governments - why our food is so good.
We are among the most efficient and best quality food producers in the world.
Australia leads the world in many areas, including research, genetics, quarantine and animal welfare, which is backed up by the work of institutions like the CSIRO and the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
Both of the above-mentioned institutions have played an invaluable role for more than a century in helping our farmers and graziers be at the cutting edge of agriculture.
Our food supply chain alone allows us to deliver fresh, quality goods interstate in 24 hours or less, but we can also deliver our top quality produce into Asia in the same sort of time frame - even under a pandemic.
Our humanitarian aid also goes far and wide, and when combined with our research know-how has been important in assisting other countries cope with crises.
Take for instance the work of the Australian Plague Locust Commission, set up in the 1970s to help prevent and control decimating swarms of locusts.
It is only a small body with 19 staff, but is currently deeply involved in helping Africa through its haunting desert locust plague, which is not only threatening crops, but also puts that region at risk of mass starvation.
We also do work such as provide freshwater systems to third world countries and support our Pacific partners in natural disasters, most recently in Vanuatu.
However, a lot of this capability has come from the historical strength of our education system.
Having the skills in the field of science in particular has been central to maintaining the institutions which have helped raise and maintain our quality and reliability as a food producer.
Yet, our universities are now under enormous pressure from the COVID-19 lockdowns, some losing up to $80 million in revenue.
Whenever you see a loaf of bread, or a great piece of steak, you can not only thank an Australian farmer, but also consider the link to an Australian scientist who has provided expertise along the way.
Their insights have helped to open the range of markets to which we sell, and in turn cushions our economy in the face of a major blow.
