# Australian agriculture and food manufacturing growth

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/australian-agriculture-and-food-manufacturing-growth
> Updated: 2026-08-31T05:11:56.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 3.

The Australian agricultural and food manufacturing sectors have demonstrated significant economic growth. Australian agriculture reached a farmgate production milestone of $101.4 billion, up from approximately $59.9 billion in 2017-18. This growth was largely driven by livestock slaughter and broadacre cropping, despite declines in the wool, industrial crop, and live export sectors.

Building on this production strength, the food and grocery manufacturing sector reached a record turnover of $182.6 billion in 2024-25, with exports increasing by 17.4 per cent to $52.6 billion. A notable shift in trade dynamics occurred as the United States overtook China as the sector’s largest export market, with exports to the US reaching $11.32 billion. 

The industry now employs over 301,000 people, representing approximately one-third of all manufacturing jobs in Australia, with more than a third of this workforce situated in regional communities. Capital investment also rose by 16 per cent to $4.5 billion, primarily directed toward plant, equipment, and machinery.

Despite these gains, the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has warned of mounting challenges. Rising operating costs, margin pressures, and higher energy and commodity prices pose risks to long-term investment capacity. Furthermore, supply chain disruptions in the Middle East continue to impact the sector. The AFGC is calling for government support through investment incentives, more reliable energy, and streamlined regulation to reach a turnover target of $250 billion by 2030.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Australia food and grocery manufacturing sector sees growth

Australia’s food and grocery manufacturing sector saw turnover reach $182.6 billion in 2024-25, with the US becoming its top export market. The sector now accounts for one-third of national manufacturing jobs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-food-and-grocery-manufacturing-sector-sees-growth

### 2026-08-26: Australia food and grocery manufacturing reaches record turnover

Australia's food and grocery manufacturing sector reached record turnover of $182.6 billion and employs over 301,000 people, according to the latest AFGC report.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-food-and-grocery-manufacturing-reaches-record-turnover

### 2026-08-17: Australian agriculture reaches $100 billion production milestone

Australian agriculture has reached a $101.4 billion production milestone, driven largely by livestock slaughter and broadacre cropping, despite declines in wool and live exports.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-agriculture-reaches-100-billion-production-milestone

---
Cite as: Australian agriculture and food manufacturing growth. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/australian-agriculture-and-food-manufacturing-growth