First Nations estate can boost Australian agriculture

A landmark report calls for serious leadership and investment in the agricultural potential of the First Nations estate, especially if governments are serious about closing the gap and unlocking north Australia's development potential. The report, commissioned by the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) and led by the First Nations Portfolio and researchers from the Fenner School of Environment and Society at The Australian National University (ANU), is the first study to examine the agricultural capacity of the First Nations estate, which covers more than 57 per cent of Australia's landmass. Vice-President for First Nations at ANU, Professor Peter Yu, said the opportunity for First Nations people to participate in primary production industries was being missed by governments and businesses across Australia. "This is not only a considerable economic loss for our First Nations communities but also for the nation," Professor Yu said. "Our study shows there is potential to grow the First Nations primary production industry, particularly across the east coast, the southwest corner of Western Australia and our northern coastline. "Though relatively small, there is an emerging and unique First Nations primary production industry that is diverse, increasingly financially sustainable, and delivering significant cultural, social and environmental benefits. "However, the extent of the First Nations primary production sector is not well known.