Australia is facing a looming crisis that could disrupt food delivery across the nation, potentially leaving millions without access to essential supplies. Farm leaders have sounded the alarm over the country’s precarious position in an increasingly unstable global scenario.

The New South Wales Farmers Federation has highlighted the pressing issue of Australia’s limited fuel reserves, warning that these reserves could be severely compromised in the event of a global emergency. This vulnerability is particularly concerning given the country’s current stockpile of diesel, which stands at a mere 22 days’ worth. Such a shortfall poses a significant threat to Australia’s food security amid ongoing international trade disruptions, potentially leaving producers unable to transport goods to retailers or even cultivate crops.

“Our fuel insecurity is akin to a leak in the tank that could swiftly drain our nation of vital food supplies and export opportunities,” noted Mike Guerin, the acting chief executive of NSW Farmers. He emphasized, “While a single iceberg sank the Titanic, there are countless factors that could prevent our oil tankers from making it to Australian shores.”

“Our fuel insecurity is the leak in the tank that could drain our nation of vital food supplies and export markets in just days,” NSW Farmers acting chief executive Mike Guerin said.

“One iceberg sank the Titanic, but a thousand things could stop our oil tankers from reaching Australian shores.

“And no fuel means no farm machinery, no tractors, no trucks – and that means no food on shelves, no food in shops, and no food leaving our shores.”

The peak farm body is calling for a new national program to monitor stocks of key agricultural inputs, such as fuel, to ensure food security.

Mapping of the supply chains that provide fuel and other inputs to the nation must be included within any new program to monitor stocks of these supplies, Guerin said, alongside an early warning system to alert the nation to shortages before it was too late.

“Farmers deserve to know when a shortage of fuel, fertiliser or another key input is imminent, so they can prepare accordingly,” Guerin said.

“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.”