The ACT will become the first Australian state or territory to launch a plan to support and grow its local food system.

The ACT Government has allocated $455,000 in the 2024-25 ACT Budget to grow Canberra’s local food production sector, through the Canberra Region Local Food Strategy.

The Strategy aims to increase the capacity of the local food system to improve access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food. Chief Minister Andrew Barr said it would create jobs and diversify the economy, while producing more food locally would reduce food transportation, making it easier for Canberrans to purchase fresher food.

In the first year, the government will fund a Local Food Chain Infrastructure Study to help local small and medium-sized local food producers compete with larger commercial providers, by addressing challenges in food packaging, distribution, storage, and networking.

This study will build on data from the Agriculture and Food in the ACT Study (underway), and reduce barriers for getting local food produce into local marketplaces and grocery stores.

The strategy will explore the use of government land for local food production, and educate the community on growing food.

The government will also review Land Management Agreements with rural landholders to support local food production.

“The Canberra Region Local Food Strategy was shaped by the Canberra community providing feedback on what they value,” Rebecca Vassarotti, ACT Minister for the Environment, Parks and Land Management, said.

“The strategy is the first of its kind for the ACT and is critical to provide the framework for a sustainable and resilient food and agriculture industry.

“Through the Strategy released today, the Local Food Chain Infrastructure Study will help inform where we can best direct our resources to support small farmers in the ACT, strengthening access to healthy, affordable food.

“In a climate emergency, harnessing the power of local food production is a vital step in the fight to drastically reduce the greenhouse gas emissions caused by imported foods.

“The ACT Government is also committed to meaningful engagement with Traditional Custodians to ensure that Ngunnawal knowledge and experience is incorporated and valued through the Strategy.”