Welcome to the Australian Local Food System Policy Database. This is a collection of policies from New South Wales (NSW) and Victorian local governments that relate to healthy, sustainable, and equitable food systems.
For further information about using the database and how it was created see How to use the database. You can search the database by using the fields below. Domain refers to eight broad categories under which various topics are situated. The domains and topics are based on a framework of recommendations for local government action on creating a healthy, sustainable, and equitable food system (also located on the ‘How to use the database’ page linked above).
To cite the database: Reeve B, Carrad A, Rose N, Charlton K & Aguirre-Bielschowsky I (2021) Australian Local Food System Policy Database. Available at: https://law-food-systems.sydney.edu.au/policy-database (access date).
Suggested search terms
Hold Ctrl to select multiple terms. Using ‘any words’ functions as an “OR” search. Using ‘all words’ functions as and “AND” search.
Search Criteria:
| Document title | Relevant text in the policy | Domain | Topic | State | Local Government name | Council type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economic Development Strategy | Undertake a rural activity strategy which looks at developing greater productivity in the rural areas including: > Equine uses > Horticulture and intensive agriculture > Agri tourism and nature based tourism opportunities. > Parks based tourism > Value add industries such as farmers’ markets, farm stays, forestry | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Mitchell | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Farming for our Future Protect productive farmland and support rural business sustainability | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Bass Coast | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | of this strategy is the adoption and implementation of the Rural Land Use Strategy. Bass Coast Shire Council will protect productive farmland and support rural business sustainability by: • working with Regional Development Victoria by providing input into regional and state wide intensive agricultural policy • developing an Intensive Agriculture Strategy for Bass Coast • developing and promoting a Southern Gippsland Food Cluster • promoting the Southern Gippsland Foodmap • supporting the Rural Engagement Group to ensure that there is an open and productive relationship between Council and representatives of the agricultural sector • supporting and promoting rural industry associations and events • advocating to other levels of Government on farming issues • encouraging the use of new technologies to stay at the forefront of farming practices • providing investment facilitation expertise to agriculture enterprises seeking to establish in Bass Coast. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Bass Coast | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Protect productive farmland and support rural business sustainability | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Bass Coast | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Explore opportunities to add-value to the local agribusiness industries – While there are few commercial agribusiness operations in the Borough, the Borough’s neighbouring council areas contain boutique wineries, olive groves, hydroponic vegetables, fishing, aquaculture and other agricultural enterprises. The challenge is to understand the specific opportunities to encourage businesses that add scale or value to these industries, such as value adding to produce, gourmet local food retailing/distribution, or service offerings to local businesses such as wine bottling. Key to this is understanding the true nature of competition. Lead Council Level of Importance Medium Anticipated timeframe 2-5 years | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | Victoria | Queenscliff | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | • Increase the demand of locally grown produce through marketing and education campaigns | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Indigo | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | KEY PROJECT: DEVELOPING A LOCAL FOOD STRATEGY This project aims to strengthen key aspects of the regional food economy, to enhance agribusiness viability and resilience in North East Victoria, which will deliver multiple economic, social and environmental benefits. It will involve activities targeted at building the capacity of individuals, as well as systems-level initiatives to drive long-term change, for maximum impact and effectiveness. The Local Food Strategy will be a partnership between Local Government, Local Health Organisations, Farmers and key stakeholders, such as Landcare and NECMA. The Strategy aims to: • Improve the knowledge and skills of primary producers regarding opportunities for business diversification and adoption of industry sustainability frameworks. • Build skills & strategies for improved mental health and resilience for primary producers • To increase the financial well-being of farm businesses and the mental well-being of farmers, leading to increased capacity for primary producers to implement new on-ground land management practices that will protect the natural resource base and adapt to changes in climate, weather & markets. • Strengthening the capacity for farmers to access local short food supply chains, providing the opportunity to by-pass many of the escalating post farm gate costs (processing, packaging, long-distance distribution, etc.) that contribute to low commodity prices and declining farm business profit margins. • Strengthen the connection between local consumers and local farmers through short food supply chains • Increase the demand of locally grown produce through marketing and education campaigns | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Indigo | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Local agricultural industry is supported to adapt to climate change | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Indigo | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | There are opportunities to grow innovation within the agricultural sector and explore niche opportunities for food, beverage and crop growing. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Indigo | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Indigo Shire is committed to working in partnership with other sector agencies such as the North East Catchment Management Authority, Landcare, Agriculture Victoria, the Victorian Farmers Federation, Murray Dairy, Local Health Agencies, and AgBiz Assist, along with other Local Government’s to provide opportunities to assist and support Agriculture across Indigo Shire and the North East. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Indigo | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS AND ENGAGEMENT WITH INDUSTRY, GROWERS AND PEAK BODIES Economic Development Councillors/Executive PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS Agriculture Victoria TAFCO, NECMA, AVDPP, VFF, Better Beef Local Business | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Indigo | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | • Strengthen the connection between local consumers and local farmers through short food supply chains | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | Victoria | Indigo | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | • Strengthening the capacity for farmers to access local short food supply chains, providing the opportunity to by-pass many of the escalating post farm gate costs (processing, packaging, long-distance distribution, etc.) that contribute to low commodity prices and declining farm business profit margins. | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | Victoria | Indigo | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A REGIONAL FOOD STRATEGY WHICH PROVIDES INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO SUPPORTING AGRIBUSINESS IN INDIGO SHIRE INCLUDING DIVERSIFICATION OF BUSINESS MODELS, SHORTENING SUPPLY CHAINS, MARKETING STRATEGIES AND SALES CHANNELS Economic Development Community Development Environment and Sustainability Beechworth Food Cooperative Beechworth Health Gateway Health Local Food Networks FoodShare Wodonga Local Farmers and food producers | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | Victoria | Indigo | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Local farmers have access to local markets | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | Victoria | Indigo | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Local Food Culture | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | Victoria | Indigo | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | PROMOTE EXPORT AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED BY THE LOGIC CENTRE, NEXUS AND INLAND RAIL DEVELOPMENT | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | Victoria | Indigo | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Local agricultural industry is supported to adapt to climate change | Sustainability and Environment | Food supply and food system resilience | Victoria | Indigo | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | BE THE CONDUIT BETWEEN LOCAL PRODUCERS AND LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES SUCH AS FOOD SOURCE VICTORIA GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS AND YOUNG FARMERS SCHOLARSHIPS | Economic Development | Food related job creation | Victoria | Indigo | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | To increase the financial well-being of farm businesses and the mental well-being of farmers, leading to increased capacity for primary producers to implement new on-ground land management practices that will protect the natural resource base and adapt to changes in climate, weather & markets. | Sustainability and Environment | Food supply and food system resilience | Victoria | Indigo | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | • Increase the demand of locally grown produce through marketing and education campaigns | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Indigo | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Agritourism sector experiences growth | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Indigo | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Capitalise on tourism; cultural heritage, events, cycle, food/wine/craft beer, nature and revitalise supporting product strengths including accommodation and retail | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Indigo | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Agri-food processing | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Penrith | Metropolitan |
| Economic Development Strategy | Capitalise on wine tourism, nature activation including cycle, waterways and food/craft beer, and activate supporting accommodation and retail sectors | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Indigo | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Agri-food processing and manufacturing3 | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Penrith | Metropolitan |
| Economic Development Strategy | CONTINUE TO SUPPORT TOURISM NORTH EAST IN THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF AGRI-TOURISM PRODUCTS | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Indigo | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | 1.2 Grow our rural food producers and aquaculture industries | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Eurobodalla | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Building on sectorial strengths identified for Penrith which range across the education, health, professional services, construction, arts and recreation (tourism), transport and logistics, advanced manufacturing and agriculture sectors. Le | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Penrith | Metropolitan |
| Economic Development Strategy | DEVELOP A PROSPECTUS FOR CONTEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD AND BEVERAGE EXPERIENCES INVESTMENT ** | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Indigo | Regional |