The floods across much of eastern Australia are having a serious impact on Australian farmers and regional communities.
The department understands this is an extremely difficult time for those affected as they navigate the impacts of the floodwaters.
While flood damage will reduce the value of production across many states, national food and agriculture production will be supported by close to record production expected in other areas of the country.
In the worst affected areas, there have been localised losses of winter crops, horticulture and dairy production. Risk exists around potential stock losses.
It is too early to estimate the cost to the agriculture sector – we will learn more as the floodwaters recede. However, it will have a significant impact on individuals and businesses in affected areas.
ABARES will produce forecasts for agriculture in the December Agricultural Commodities Report, which will reflect the impacts of the flood damage.
Australia is a significant agricultural exporter and food is produced in a wide range of places across the country.
While local damage has occurred, this will be offset as producers in other regions of Australia respond to flood-induced shortages.
Information about the floods and assistance for producers can be found at the National Emergency Management Authority website on https://nema.gov.au/ and at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry at https://www.agriculture.gov.au/.
