The “hidden costs” of Australia’s $800 billion food system could be as much as $274 billion, among the highest per capita in the world.

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has conducted the first nationwide assessment of the country’s food system, highlighting both achievements and challenges that require attention.

Overall, 100,000 Australian farmers feed about 100 million people around the world – including the national population of 27 million.

An official noted that Australia’s food system is an “economic and production success,” generating over $800 billion annually and serving as a major source of employment, particularly in regional areas.

However, CSIRO’s sustainability research director Larelle McMillan pointed out the absence of a unified food policy in Australia. Various government sectors such as agriculture, environment, industry, social services, health, transport, and urban planning are all interconnected with the food system.

“We need to move from analysing specific parts of the food system, to establishing coordinated reporting for important food system attributes and interactions, thus enabling connected up action for a national food system that serves all,” McMillan said.

McMillan said a reporting system would offer valuable insights into where the food system is falling short – for example, almost a third of Australian households experience moderate or severe food insecurity each year – and where it’s failing to meet the needs of all Australians.

“This can be used as a focal point to bring together a greater diversity of voice and vision to identify pathways to sustainable, healthy and affordable food for all Australians,” she said.