Read time: 7 mins
Based on Activating the Indigenous Estate – Baseline Study of Agricultural Capacity, published July 2022.
An ANU investigation into the relationship between First Nations primary producers and the wider mainstream primary industries shows that there is potential to boost Australia’s overall production at the same time as increasing cultural and socio-economic opportunities for Indigenous communities.
Read time: 7 mins
Based on Activating the Indigenous Estate – Baseline Study of Agricultural Capacity, published July 2022.
1
While a significant amount of primary production occurs on the First Nations estate, most isn’t undertaken by First Nation enterprises.
2
The First Nations-owned primary production businesses surveyed are financially viable and delivering social and environmental dividends and cultural outcomes.
3
Little private capital has been invested in First Nations primary production enterprises, creating opportunities to attract greater social impact investment to the sector.
There’s also potential for enhancing the environmental, social and governance (ESG) credentials of Australia’s primary industries through mutually beneficial production models on the Indigenous Estate.
Using data from vegetation, climate, water, soil and infrastructure elements, the study indicated high agricultural potential across many areas of the Indigenous Estate, particularly along the coastline of northern Australia and in western Queensland.
Researchers also identified that using the United Nations-developed Systems of Environmental-Economic Accounting framework better reflects First Nations land values. They also detailed areas for agricultural development to support evidence of ESG, for the purposes of improved market access and attracting private capital attention.
Detailed qualitative surveys of five primary industries businesses in horticulture, cattle production and fishing operating in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Queensland, and South Australia found that First Nations primary production businesses are commercially profitable or on a sustainable path to profitability. It revealed their potential to contribute more to the sector.
Researchers also reported that First Nations producers have effective governance arrangements in place. They observed that subsidiary company arrangements are commonly used to separate commercial interests while still providing for cultural and community oversight.
The findings also showed the positive role that government agencies and instrumentalities can play in supporting First Nations grow their businesses.
For example, the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation has had a fundamental and successful role in supporting First Nations to reacquire their land. It has also helped advance their social, cultural, and economic interests using their estates, as shown in the Yawuru-owned and managed Roebuck Plains Station case study, and others.
The First Nations estate accounts for around 57 per cent of Australia’s land mass, yet First Nations continue to be marginalised from mainstream economies. There are at least 95 First Nations primary production businesses operating on over eight million hectares of land across the nation that account for only two per cent of the Australian agricultural estate.
“The vast majority of production that takes place on the Indigenous Estate doesn’t benefit First Nations people.”
