Australia's Agricultural Landscape

Land Ownership

When acquiring Australian farmland international investors are entitled to secure ownership of freehold land.

The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) is the regulatory body that controls foreign investment in Australia. Overseas investors are generally exempt from notifying the FIRB regarding acquisitions of agricultural land. However, if the acquisition exceeds 15 per cent in value of a business or corporation whose Australian interests are valued above $231 million, or if the investment is made by a foreign government or their agency, it is subject to scrutiny from the Australian Government.

Production and Exports
Andrew Parkes, a second-generation farmer from the northern NSW town of Moree, manages six farms that grow cotton through Customised Farm Management (CFM)

Australian agriculture is strongly export orientated and is a significant competitor in the global agricultural export market. With its vast area, climatic variation, technical expertise and innovation Australia produces quality products highly sought after by global markets.The Australian agriculture industry accounts for 12% of Australia’s GDP, generating over AUD $137 billion annually.

Australia produces 34,409.000 tonnes of grain each year and is the world’s largest exporter of wool and goat meat and the second largest beef exporter in the World. Australia is also a major exporter of sugar and accounts for 5-10% of the world’s cotton exports, even though it only accounts for 3% of global cotton production.


Government Subsidies

Due to non-reliance on government subsidies Australian farmers are amongst the most self-sufficient and innovative agricultural producers in the world. Government support for Australian farms represents a mere 4% of farming income. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has found by comparison in Norway it is 61%, in Korea 52%, in the European Union 23%, in Canada 17% and in the United States 9%.

National Security

Australia is globally recognised as a secure location for overseas investors due to its robust political system and democratic governance. This helps to support a transparent and progressive legal and regulatory environment that instils confidence in overseas investors. These are key reasons for Australia’s economic stability and growth.

Australia’s world leading corporate governance also improves the conditions for foreign investment by strengthening relationships between key commercial stakeholders, including shareholders, directors, managers and employees.

Having earned a reputation as one of the most cost-effective locations to base a business Australia maintains a competitive edge over other countries in the developed world.

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