Australian farm leaders are sounding the alarm about a looming crisis that could disrupt national food deliveries and leave millions vulnerable in an increasingly unstable global environment.

The New South Wales Farmers Federation has raised concerns over Australia’s limited fuel reserves, which could be severely threatened during a global emergency.

Australia currently maintains only 22 days’ worth of diesel reserves. This precarious situation poses a significant risk to the country’s food security, especially amidst ongoing international trade disruptions. Without sufficient fuel, producers might struggle to transport food to supermarkets and even face challenges in its production.

The leading agricultural organization is advocating for the establishment of a national program dedicated to monitoring essential agricultural inputs, such as fuel, to ensure the stability of food supplies.

This proposed program should incorporate the mapping of supply chains that deliver crucial resources like fuel, according to the federation’s representative, Guerin. Additionally, an early warning system is essential to alert the nation of impending shortages before they become critical.

“Farmers need to be informed well in advance if there’s a potential shortage of fuel, fertilizer, or other vital inputs, enabling them to plan and adapt accordingly,” Guerin emphasized.

“The program should also be working actively to prevent shortages of these inputs, and have plans in place to relieve shortages, not if, but when, they occur.

“This isn’t about triggering panic buying but about preventing a national standstill in food supplies – and with 27 million hungry mouths to feed just in Australia, we just can’t keep risking it until the system fails.”