Improving your Agribusiness' Resilience

Estimated to be worth $66 billion, the agriculture industry is a cornerstone of Australia’s economy, employing hundreds of thousands of people, making up over 12% of all the country’s exports, and contributing billions to the country’s GDP. Agribusiness refers to all the processes involved in commercial agriculture operations, from the machinery and land used to the process of marketing and selling products to the end customer.??

Australia’s reputation for producing high quality products has resulted in high demand overseas for Australian products. Unfortunately, natural disasters and other risks that can result in damage to products, land or machinery can result in disaster for the industry. The diverse nature of agribusiness means there is always potential for something to go wrong, and ensuring that effective plans and procedures are in place prior to a crisis can help to maintain the longevity of your agribusiness.??

?

Common threats posed to agribusinesses?

Biosecurity Breaches?

Australia’s geographically isolated nature and strong border protection measures have mostly prevented the accidental introduction of many potentially damaging pests and organisms. Unfortunately, invasive species and diseases at times can slip through the cracks of protection, causing deadly disease outbreaks among livestock and the destruction of crop fields and reduction of yields. A farm’s reputation could be damaged, and profits can take a great hit. It is crucial to identify and eradicate any potential introduced species as soon as possible, and implement effective crisis management plans to manage biosecurity threats successfully.??

Natural Disasters?

Australia is no stranger to extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, cyclones, storms and bushfires. Unfortunately, they can wreak havoc not only on housing and infrastructure, but also on the farms that we depend on for food staples. In the past, weather events had led to the destruction of numerous farms, leading to shortages of fruits, vegetables, livestock and wheat. Responding effectively to such disasters is crucial for a farm’s longevity and quick recovery.???

Climate Change?

Natural disasters on their own are already destructive and damaging events, but with climate change bearing down on the world, these events are already beginning to increase in frequency and span longer durations. As temperatures rise and destructive weather events continue, it is unknown how greatly they may affect the farms of today, and what changes agribusinesses may need to make for the future in order to continue providing for the country. Preparing for what the future may bring will be crucial to outliving the global impacts that climate change will have on agricultural production.?

?

The agribusiness industry is no stranger to emergencies, crises and disasters. Without putting effective and tested plans in place for the crises and disasters the future may bring, not only is the profitability of the agribusiness industry put at risk, but also the security of Australia’s food supply. Our reliance on agriculture to feed the nation makes it crucial to safeguard agricultural production and ensure that natural disasters and climate change induced events are responded to in the most effective way possible.??

Our knowledgeable team at Resilient Services can tailor our suite of specialized plans and services to suit your agribusiness’ specific needs and requirements. Contact us today to see how we can help safeguard the future of your business, and help it to become stronger, smarter and more secure.?