Wednesday 26 February 2014
It's one of the most polarising debates in Australia - whether foreign investors should be allowed unrestricted access to buy Australian farmland.
The phrase "selling off the farm" is one that arouses a strong emotional response - among farmers, politicians and the broader community.
Many people fear that if foreign entities control large chunks of farmland, Australia will have less control over its own food supply.
Others say foreign investment is needed to keep the agriculture sector healthy.
The pros and cons of foreign ownership are being thrashed out in Sydney as part of the IQ2 debate series by the St James Ethics Centre.
Robbie Sefton, a NSW woolgrower and prominent rural leader argues that agriculture requires capital, and is going to require a lot more in the coming decades.
She says Australian agriculture needs to find $A600 billion for investment on farms and supply chains between now and 2050.
Michael Croft, president of the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance, says foreign investment should have to pass a net benefit test.
Robbie Sefton, NSW woolgrower, communications advisor and prominent rural leader.
Michael Croft, president of the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance, Australasian delegate to the committee on world food security, part of the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organisation.
Producer: Bel Tromp
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