Farming productivity slows 11-08 12th March 2008

The cropping, livestock and dairy industries have benefited from increased productivity over the last three decades, but the level of growth is now slowing, reports FairfaxDigital.

Productivity growth has dropped from 4.1 percent to 0.9 percent since the mid 1990s. And while the drought may be one cause, it isn’t the only one, says the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE). “Further inquiry into this issue remains an area for future study,” explains ABARE.

Productivity growth is essential to competitive exports, which are currently struggling as a result of the volatile international market and climate change.