The Industry Roundtable Breakfast, held as part of the NT Farmers Association Northern Australia Food Futures Conference in Darwin, brought together key government and industry representatives this week to discuss concerns and highlight opportunities for Northern ag.
The invitation-only event provided a valuable forum for open and frank discussion for policy makers and local industry representatives. Independently Chaired by Professor Allan Dale, key topics addressed issues around development and the challenges posed by environmental groups, biosecurity resilience and securing reliable transport and freight routes.
Simon Smith, President of NT Farmers Association, says it was an important conversation that put the spotlight on the real issues being faced right across the north.
“Northern Australia plays a vital role in the nation’s food security and is a powerhouse for agricultural exports. Today’s meeting provided a rare and valuable platform to bring state, federal and advocacy leaders together, cutting through politics to focus on real solutions,” he said.
“Discussing issues such as biosecurity threats, infrastructure development, market access and investment opportunities we are collaboratively shaping policies that drive economic growth for our regions. Strengthening coordination between governments, farmers, and industry groups is essential to ensuring the resilience and competitiveness of Northern Australia’s agricultural sector. This event has reiterated to all the region’s significance on the national agenda.”
The Industry Roundtable Breakfast was attended by key industry leaders, including Simon Smith, President of NT Farmers Association; Greg Troughton, CEO of NT Farmers Association; Bruce Connolly, President, Northern Cotton Growers Association (NCGA), Fritz Bolten, Chairman of Ord River District Co-operative Ltd; Dan Raymond, CEO of Ord River District Co-operative Ltd; Shane McCarthy, General President of AgForce Queensland; Brendan Taylor, Grains President of AgForce Queensland; Bron Christensen, CEO of Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association; and Romy Carey, CEO of Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association.
The meeting was also attended by key government representatives, including Sean Dillon MP, Assistant Minister for Primary Industry Development, Water and Western Queensland; Andrew Kirkman, CEO of NT Department of Agriculture and Fisheries; Senator Susan McDonald, Shadow Minister for Northern Australia, Susan Hall, Executive Director, Regional Business Development, Department of Primary Industries Regional Development, and Su McCluskey, Special Representative for Australian Agriculture.
National and global agricultural advocacy was also represented by David Jochinke, President, and Troy Williams, CEO of National Farmers’ Federation, as well as Fiona Simson, Oceania representative and Vice President of World Farmers’ Organisation.
Leading the discussion on infrastructure, transportation and freight was Fritz Bolten, Chairman of Ord River District Cooperative.
“Reliable and efficient transport and freight networks are essential for the competitiveness of Northern Australia’s farming sector,” says Fritz.
Rising fuel prices are putting pressure on the viability of transport solutions, while port infrastructure and the agility to respond to weather events are becoming increasingly critical. Discussions today tackled some of these challenges, such as targeted improvements in freight corridors, along with strategic investment in processing facilities. It was agreed upon that improvements in these key areas will enhance supply chain efficiencies and support further agricultural prosperity,”
The meeting focused on the immense potential of Northern Australia, and was agreed upon by organisations in the room that while protection of the environment is imperative, excessive regulation and investment barriers are unnecessarily and hindering expansion opportunities.
“There is huge potential for cattle, cropping and high-value horticulture in our region, but we face an uphill battle due to unnecessary policies which prioritise environmental restrictions over economic development” explains Shane McCarthy, President of Queensland’s peak body AgForce.
“Vast electoral divisions and limited political representation add to the challenge. A clear, balanced approach is needed—one that supports both conservation and the expansion of agriculture to unlock economic opportunities, create jobs, and ensure long-term sustainability for Northern Australia’s farming sector. We have been talking about this for along time, now is the time for action. Remove the red and green tape. Stop talking and start developing!”
It is well known that biosecurity threats disproportionately affect Northern Australia due to it’s proximity to countries and waters to the north, and a continued focus on preparedness and response was highlighted as a key issue in the Industry Roundtable.
“Northern Australia has a whopping 4.1 million km2 to protect,” says Simon Smith, President of NT Farmers Association.
“Australia’s farming sector depends on strong biosecurity measures to protect against pests, diseases, and invasive species that threaten agricultural productivity. Recent outbreaks—including Fall Armyworm, Banana Panama Disease (TR4), and the expanding spread of varroa mite and fire ants—highlight the urgent need for sustained vigilance and investment in biosecurity infrastructure.”
“Coupled with looming threats such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Lumpy Skin Disease, African Swine Fever, and Bluetongue Virus, a long-term approach to biosecurity preparedness and response is essential. Strengthening border controls, enhancing on-farm biosecurity, and improving early detection systems will be critical in safeguarding Northern Australia’s agricultural exports and preserving access to key international markets. A coordinated effort between governments, industry, and farmers is vital to ensuring Australia remains a leader in biosecurity resilience.”
With representatives from across Northern Australia it was clear today that there is a strong want and need for collaborative approaches to tackling the industry’s biggest issues.
The Industry Roundtable Breakfast reinforced the critical role Northern Australia plays in the nation’s agricultural future and the importance of united, solutions-focused leadership. As momentum builds following the event, participants expressed a shared commitment to turning conversation into action—through smarter policy, stronger partnerships, and targeted investment.
– End media statement –
Media enquiries:
Hannah Leu, NT Farmers Association
Phone: 0430 550 640