HORTICULTURE group AUSVEG has declined to clarify whether or not it would support a tax on vegetable based fast foods including french fries, despite this week endorsing a sugar tax as a way of addressing Australia’s obesity epidemic.
The surprise attack by the Melbourne-based vegetable and potato growers association chief executive officer Simon Bolle on the cane industry appeared to lay blame for Australia’s obesity epidemic squarely at the feet of the single food ingredient. That is despite overwhelming evidence that the obesity epidemic is the result of a multitude of factors, including the excessive consumption of vegetable-based fast foods and snack foods.
AUSVEG’s call for a sugar tax drew a strong reaction from the CANEGROWERS organisation. CLICK HERE to read that story.
AUSVEG has now asked that answers to questions put to the organisation be attributed to a unidentified spokesperson. Queensland Country Life’s questions and AUSVEG’s responses are:
Is AUSVEG also willing to endorse a tax on vegetable based fast foods (e.g. french fries)?
“The underlying issue that needs to be addressed is Australia’s obesity epidemic and the impact that this is having on the wellbeing of Australians and the burden this is placing on the Australian health care system. AUSVEG firmly believes that all relevant stakeholders, including industry and government, have a responsibility to find a solution to what is a complex issue that requires consultation with all relevant industry stakeholders. For example, research has consistently shown that Australians are not consuming the recommended daily intake of fresh fruit and vegetables despite the fact that this is critical to a healthy, well-balanced diet. AUSVEG is only happy to be a part of any conversation aimed at solving this problem.”
Did AUSVEG speak with cane farmers (i.e. Canegrowers) prior to supporting a sugar tax?
“The cane industry has previously made its position on this issue clear. Australia is in the midst of a public health epidemic. We are glad that a discussion is being had about how industry can work with government to improve the health of everyday Australians. We want to work on a solution with industry and government policy makers to an increasingly serious health problem affecting Australian consumers.”
Why is sugar being singled out by AUSVEG when it is a single ingredient?
“It was not our intention to single out the sugar industry, but we were responding to claims made by MP Russell Broadbent, who this week challenged his colleagues to consider a new tax on sugar. We are supportive of any measure that gives Australian consumers an incentive to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables, particularly given that the majority of Australians are not meeting the daily recommended intake levels. It is important that all Australians are part of a conversation on this issue as we look to find opportunities to improve the health of everyday Australians.”
Does AUSVEG agree that by endorsing a sugar tax it is damaging the reputation of Australian cane growers?
“Australian agricultural producers from all industries are internationally renowned for producing high quality produce that is sought after around the globe. We want government policy makers and industry to work together to find a solution that that supports Australia’s farmers and ensures people are eating a healthier, more well-balanced diet, which includes increasing their fruit and vegetable intake and sugar in moderation.”
How does AUSVEG justify attacking another Australian agricultural industry?
“This is not about a single industry and it is not our intention to attack another industry – this issue was raised by Russell Broadbent this week and what we are doing is highlighting that this important issue cannot be ignored. We think it is important that Australian agriculture is involved in this discussion and we are happy to work with the sugar industry and other agricultural sectors to develop an effective solution to this issue so that Australians can maintain healthier lifestyles and eat well-balanced diets.”
Queensland Country Life has sought further clarifaction on whether or not AUSVEG will support a similar tax for vegetable based fast foods.