The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says the green lighting of Melbourne’s Airport’s third runway will be an economic boom for Victoria’s agriculture industry and enable the sector to solidify itself as Australia’s most valuable agriculture exporter.
VFF President Emma Germano backed the expansion and said the move would help secure agriculture jobs and ensure more of Victoria’s internationally renowned food and fibre products can be enjoyed across the globe.
“Victorian produce has never been in so demand in the global market and it’s critical infrastructure such as Melbourne Airport that ensures we retain our mantle as Australia’s most valuable agriculture exporting state.”
“The extra capacity that a third runway brings means new jobs are created in the agricultural supply chain and our produce remains competitive on the domestic and international market.”
“The VFF was proud to join industry partners in advocating the need for the third runway to the Commonwealth. The government’s announcement to green light the runway is great news for Victorian agriculture.”
“Victorian produce has a reputation as a clean, green, fresh premium product and we’re seeing demand go through the roof for efficient and fast air freight to key markets in Asia and the United States,” Ms Germano said.
“Approximately 30% of the nation’s air freight market has flowed through Melbourne over the past decade, with Victorian produce constituting a significant portion of these exports. In 2023-24, the value of food and fibre exports through Melbourne totalled $1.65 billion, representing nearly 10% of the state’s agricultural exports by value.”
In 2023-24, Victoria exported more than $19 billion of food and fibre, cementing its title as Australia’s largest agricultural exporter. Key exports transiting through Melbourne Airport include dairy, meat, vegetables, fruits and nut products.
Our largest export markets include China, the United States, Japan, South Korea and Indonesia.