Framework to be built around Indigenous agricultural products

In Australia, thousands of agricultural products are produced using knowledge and practices unique to Indigenous culture, spanning industries from beef production to wattle seed farming. The Indigenous Agricultural Product Framework Project aims to develop a framework to help recognise, protect and authenticate these products, unlocking their economic potential in domestic and export markets.

The Indigenous Agriculture Product Framework is expected to be finalised in June 2025. Amy Brooks, a working group member from Stockyard Beef and the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework’s (ABSF) Steering Group said work was underway to explore the project’s economic, community and industry benefits.

“We’re looking at how identifying these products with credentials might increase their economic return, and how that impacts self-determination, which refers to the Indigenous right to control their own economic affairs,” Amy said.

Positive sentiment and economic benefits

Research within the project found positive consumer sentiment toward establishing credentials for Indigenous agricultural products. The initiative is expected to build on the sector’s current economic value of around $1.4 billion and 1,900 jobs.

“As well as economic benefits, the final outcome would bolster connection to country, whether that’s around the geographical prominence of certain products, traditional land management practices, or reciprocation, which refers to the mutual exchange of resources and services.”

Once complete, the ABSF plans to use the framework to highlight the significant contributions of Indigenous producers in developing rural and regional communities. These insights will help shape the ABSF’s priorities around economic resilience, community contribution, and diversity.

Enhancing sustainability

“When you look at Indigenous production through a sustainability lens, there is a lot of work in that space which can be applied to beef production and throughout the industry,” Amy said.

This includes leveraging Indigenous plants that are naturally better adapted to climate challenges, along with traditional land management practices that enhance soil health while reducing reliance on chemical inputs and irrigation.

The research highlighted, “The integration of Indigenous and mainstream agricultural practices holds promise for enhancing sustainability, fostering economic growth, and preserving cultural heritage. By leveraging the strengths of both systems, Australia can create a more resilient and inclusive agricultural sector”.

In the lead-up to the framework’s completion, further work will focus on exploring the future demand for Indigenous agricultural products in international markets and addressing the adoption of credential requirements.