Soil perspective contributes to national food security conversation

April 17, 2026

Key takeaways

Far North Queensland perspectives are feeding directly into a National Food Security Strategy that will influence future farming systems, productivity and risk management.
Dhiraj Gajera highlighted the importance of soil health, especially as fertiliser costs and supply constraints impact farm decision making.
The workshop prioritised real-world actions to address current challenges and prepare for future pressures over the next 10–25 years.

Regional Soil Coordinator Dhiraj Gajera took part in the Feeding Australia co-design workshop in Townsville this week, contributing local insight to a national conversation on food security.

Delivered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the stakeholder workshop is one of a series being held across the country to inform Feeding Australia: A National Food Security Strategy. Backed by a $3.5 million Australian Government investment, the strategy aims to strengthen the productivity, resilience and security of Australia’s food system.

The workshop focused on identifying current strengths and weaknesses across the food system, alongside key opportunities and challenges. Participants then explored how the system may evolve over the next 10 to 25 years, considering future trends and scenarios. The session concluded with a focus on practical actions, with the group working to prioritise ideas that support preferred futures and reduce key risks.

Dhiraj said the workshop was a valuable opportunity to contribute a soil-focused perspective.

“It was a great workshop to be part of. I was able to share my experience and highlight the fundamental importance of soil health in growing food, not just for Australia but globally. Soil health must be part of the conversation, particularly with current fertiliser cost and supply challenges.

“Healthy soils mean healthy food and healthy people.”

The workshop brought together participants from a range of organisations and backgrounds, including James Cook University and CRCNA.

Further workshops will continue across Australia until June 2026, ensuring the strategy is informed by real-world experience from across the food system.