Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
The Honourable John McVeigh
Media Release

28 August 2013

Queensland Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh has welcomed the Federal Coalition’s commitment to boost funding for Rural Research and Development Corporations by $100 million.

“I wholeheartedly welcome this announcement as it will be great to work with a grown up Federal Government that’s focussed on agriculture R&D, as we in the Queensland LNP are,” said Mr McVeigh.

“Under the former Queensland Labor Government, we didn’t even have a dedicated Department of Agriculture. This was just another sign of the contempt that Labor had for Queensland farmers.

“This extra funding will help Queensland meet our goal of doubling food production by 2040.

“Improving the research base of agriculture will increase the profitability, productivity and production of our farmers.”

Mr McVeigh said the Newman Government had brought agriculture to the forefront as one of the key pillars of Queensland’s growing economy.

“Queensland is the beef powerhouse of Australia and the lead state in beef research, development and extension – focused on projects that deliver value for our producers.

“The funding boost to the R&D corporations will provide greater benefits to our farmers.

“The Newman Government recognises the importance of research to enhance farm profitability.

“We’ll continue to work in cooperation with R&D organisations such as Meat & Livestock Australia to ensure farmers are kept abreast of developments arising from research.”

[ENDS] 28 August 2013

Media Contact: Louise Gillis 0408 709 160