World Food Day: Australia’s Role in Global Food Security

World Food Day: Australia’s Role in Global Food Security

As the world marks World Food Day, with 2.8 billion people unable to afford a healthy diet and 733 million facing hunger, Australia is stepping up to help tackle the global food security crisis. This year’s theme, “Right to foods for a better life and better future”, underscores the urgency of ensuring everyone has access to nutritious food.

Tina Hutchison, Deputy Secretary of Trade and Regulation, emphasized Australia’s important contributions to fighting hunger.
“Australia plays a significant role in supporting the objectives of World Food Day through our work with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations and by exporting around 70% of our agricultural, fisheries, and forestry products,” Ms Hutchison said.

Australia’s Focus on Investment and Innovation

Hutchison highlighted that addressing global food security requires investment, innovation, and science, as well as strong collaboration on an international scale.
“It’s crucial for Australia to maintain a global voice—especially in multilateral forums like the FAO—to keep contributing to a more sustainable world,” she said.

Australia advocates for free and open trade, pushing back against protectionist policies that could threaten food security globally. The country also extends its support to Pacific neighbours, helping them strengthen their own food and agriculture systems.

Australia’s Sustainability and Trade Leadership

Australia’s Special Representative for Agriculture, Su McCluskey, is currently in Rome at the World Food Forum (WFF), promoting Australia’s commitment to sustainable agriculture. The forum is hosted by the FAO and focuses on shaping global food systems for the future.

Australia’s Special Representative for Agriculture, Su McCluskey

Hutchison also emphasized Australia’s subsidy-free production model and how sharing our expertise in research and development partnerships can help other nations develop their own agriculture systems.
“With challenges like climate change, conflict, and rising costs worsening global food insecurity, free and open trade under a rules-based system is vital to drive sustainable production,” she added.

Australia’s trade agreements allow the country to deliver safe, sustainable, and nutritious food to over 160 world markets, showcasing its leadership in global food security efforts.

For Australia, World Food Day is not just about acknowledging the problem but also reinforcing its commitment to being part of the solution through sustainable agriculture, free trade, and global collaboration.