THERE have been two significant events in the past fortnight that give a clear indication of where agriculture is heading in this country – and they both involve China.
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The first was the seemingly incredible decision by the federal government to give conditional approval to the Shenhua Watermark coal project on the Liverpool Plains.
And while the Nationals deputy Barnaby Joyce slammed the decision, others in his party said the proposal ticked all the necessary boxes.
As another National parliamentarian told me, the science was irrelevant because the risk was still too great.
And, as I have mentioned before, they reckoned the Titanic was unsinkable.
It was interesting to see the opposing views put forward by former leader of the Nationals Tim Fischer and radio shock Jock Alan Jones on ABC’s Q&A program last Monday.
I have always found Mr Fischer to be coolly analytical and reasonable and he seemed to be giving the nod of approval to the project, albeit on certain grounds.
Jones, normally seen as the darling of the right, was vociferous in his criticism of the coal mine.
He is certainly gaining a reputation for being the farmer’s friend, especially with his opposition to coal seam gas mining.
It is a pity that other metropolitan commentators don’t involve themselves with all things agriculture. They have a role to play in getting metropolitan dwellers – and particularly the politicians – to understand that agriculture is Australia’s greatest chance for economic robustness in the future.
The other event was the signing by Minister Joyce on Monday of a cattle health protocol with China, by any measure a huge boost to the Australian economy.
But, as has been pointed out, there will be some very big challenges ahead for the industry.
This is based on the fact that there are already strong demands for Australian beef in the export market and the Australian herd is shrinking.
You can’t blame the cattle people for that.
If you have had a few terrible years and are in debt, are you going to knock your cows on the head for record prices or hold them back for future restocking in the hope cattle prices will continue to rise or at least hold?
The whole situation of farmers’ finances need to be addressed – not as some sort of agrarian socialism but as a way of guaranteeing the future of an asset that is going to be critical to Australia’s future.
I am ashamed that I used to be one of those people who bagged cockies for always whingeing, but proud that I am very much in the other camp now and have worked hard to convince the townies of the truth.
This is my final contribution on rural matters, for the time being anyway.
I will admit that I am going to miss it and all the wonderful people I have met through contributing to the lift-out terribly.
Agriculture rocks.
