THIS Australia Day, the minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, is encouraging consumers to support local farmers and buy Australian produce.
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“I would like to congratulate our retailers who are getting behind flood affected farmers by stocking blemished fruit on supermarket shelves,” Minister Ludwig said.
“This is heartening news for farmers and primary producers who have been hit particularly hard in recent weeks.
“While there are widespread reports of damage to crops and horticulture, much of the winter crop has been harvested and the outlook for the coming year remains positive.
“In the short term some fruit and vegetables being sold may not look as good as they usually do, but they’re still nutritious and good to eat. Retailers will only sell foods that are safe to be consumed.
“I would encourage Australian consumers to help our farmers and primary producers get back on their feet by buying Australian grown fruit and vegetables.”
In his capacity as Minister Assisting the Attorney-General on Queensland Floods Recovery, Minister Ludwig is touring Toowoomba, the Darling Downs and South West this week with Queensland Reconstruction Authority chair, Major General Mick Slater.
In Toowoomba, Minister Ludwig and Major General Slater met with the Toowoomba Regional Council to discuss reconstruction of the local community.
“The people of Toowoomba are continuing to clean up flood affected homes and workplaces,” Minister Ludwig said.
“I’ve been completely overwhelmed by the enormous generosity of the people here and their willingness to help others in need.
“Toowoomba was hit particularly hard by the floodwaters and there’s no doubt, given the size of the disaster, the rebuilding effort will take some time.
“The Gillard Government is here for the long term and we will continue to work closely with the Queensland Government to deliver assistance to those people most in need.
“We are committed to providing funding to assist communities like Toowoomba to rebuild infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and schools.”
The Minister and Major General Slater will attend Dalby’s Australia Day Breakfast at Thomas Jack Park from 7am on 26 January 2011.
For information about Commonwealth Government assistance for flood victims go to www.disasterassist.gov.au .
