The Senate Select Committee on Agricultural and related Industries, Chaired by Senator Heffernan, is currently examining food production in Australia and the question of how to produce food that is:
a. affordable to consumers;
b. viable for production by farmers; and
c. of sustainable impact on the environment.
Key areas of examination include the effects of: carbon trading, market distortions by commodity traders and speculators, and the consolidation of retailers and global cartels, on the supply of food. Given these effects, the inquiry hopes to analyse the impact on the price and supply of fuel, fertiliser, chemicals, as well as the implications of tax distortions on the industry by schemes such as Managed Investment Schemes (MIS). The Committee is expected to report to the Senate by 28th November 2009.
For further information regarding the inquiry please visit: http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/agric_ctte/food_production/index.htm
