Community & Business
9 April, 2026
Long term strategy to prevent food shortages
Preventing food shortages
Local growers continue to feel the pressure of scarce fuel, rising costs and uncertainty.
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF)
last week welcomed the federal government’s commitment to underwriting imports of fuel supplies, halving the excise tax and reducing the heavy road user charge.
It is not enough. The supply chain is still at risk as Australia imports all of its fuel requirements and QFF is asking for a National Fuel Security Plan with long-term strategies. Complacency cannot continue.
The sugarcane industry can replace a portion of imported petrol with ethanol but it would take time and federal support.
The Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers CEO said that growers are already under pressure but shortages of plastics and fertilisers are compounding an already-unsustainable market. The association says that there is a pointed risk to food security and supply.
Surat Basin Enterprise CEO Josh Edwards pointed out that the region’s intensive livestock industries are particularly exposed to rising costs, given their reliance on grain and transport.
The Southern Downs is one of Australia’s most productive food regions, and the Darling Downs is home to about 65% of Australia’s grain fed beef industry, with feedlot production alone worth approximately $1.4 billion. The region also produces two thirds of Queensland’s pork and 85% of the state’s eggs.
QFF is seeking feedback from farmers in the area and are encouraged to report supply issues to their peak body.
