The Australian federal government says it is doing its bit to improve global food security.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture has arrived in Turkey to represent the Australian Government at the G20 meeting of Agriculture Ministers.

Parliamentary Secretary Senator Richard Colbeck says Australia wants to boost investment, jobs and productivity in the food sector.

“The world’s population is growing and food demand set to increase, making it an important and complex global challenge to ensure that populations have access to nutritious food in the future,” Senator Colbeck said.

“In terms of agriculture our focus is to boost agricultural productivity and to improve global food security.”

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations estimates that to feed the world’s projected population in 2050, global food production capacity must increase by about 70 per cent.

This dire need is hindered by the fact that about a third of all food produced globally is wasted, not eaten.

Senator Colbeck says Australia should have a big role in improving the stakes.

“Not only are we a supplier of agricultural products to global markets, but we can also share our world-leading expertise and research on agricultural productivity and sustainability,” he said.

“There is also an opportunity to learn valuable lessons by teaming up with other countries and sharing experience and knowledge.

“I’ll be visiting a range of sites including a forestry research facility, fisheries institutes, freshwater fish farm and an agricultural research centre. This will be a valuable opportunity to find out more about Turkey’s production and any innovations or efficiencies that could benefit Australia.

“I also hope to meet with other G20 members to advance our work on issues like illegal fishing and logging, as well as the government’s free trade agenda.

“Strong international partnerships are essential to a healthy, growing and resilient global economy and it’s important that Australia is an active member in international forums like the G20.”