Ken O'Dowd (Flynn, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is with pleasure I speak on the motion moved by the member for New England.

We must continue to back our farmers and agricultural people. We must continue, because these people are the backbone of our economy. They add so much to our budget, our economy and our exports. Since 2016-17, they have contributed $62.3 billion, up 30 per cent from 2013. Exports in 2016-2017 were up $49 billion—up by 28 per cent from 2013. What we grow and what we contribute to the national economy is a giant 73 per cent of exports to our exporting countries, who appreciate the fact that we have good, clean, green products to help their nations.

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