AGRICULTURE has been highlighted as a driving force in Queensland's post-coronavirus economic recovery.
The state government has allocated $12.5 million to the agribusiness and food sector under a job boosting plan.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said regional Queensland could do the heavy lifting in the COVID-19 recovery phase, with a strong emphasis on agriculture.
"This $12.5 million funding package for the sector will provide an initial economic boost to the agribusiness and food sector, transition and transform it post COVID-19, and accelerate the state's economic recovery," Ms Palaszczuk said.
The initiatives include $5.5 million for digital technologies to develop integrated supply chains that improve traceability, biosecurity and food safety.
Another $5 million will go toward reinvigorating agricultural trade relationships, supporting e-commerce and to assist with coordinating additional air freight services.
Agribusiness diversification projects will receive $2 million, with a focus on building agritourism opportunities.
Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said the disruption from COVID-19 presented an opportunity for the agribusiness and food sector to grow, diversify and take advantage of technologies to boost productivity.
"By capitalising on its strong position as a consistent supplier of premium and safe products, the industry can lead the economic recovery and support domestic and international food security," he said.
"A skilled and capable workforce and growing demand for high-quality products will stimulate exports, regional employment and domestic consumption."
Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick said Queensland farmers were more important than ever.
"Whether it is sugar, beef, tomatoes or chillies, Queensland producers continue to lead the world, and we will back them," Mr Dick said.
Lobby groups including the Queensland Farmers' Federation and AgForce were involved in discussions to guide the government spend.
QFF president Allan Dingle said he welcomed the government's announcement and believed agritourism could both support farmers and encourage future generations to join the industry.
"The announcements play a part in agriculture now and into the future, certainly helping with access to markets overseas is always important, virus or no virus," Mr Dingle said.
However, he said QFF had also flagged issues around unused water storages not being utilised and the cost of energy which had not been addressed.
"We flagged this problem and it is disappointing it had not been addressed," Mr Dingle said.
"A $12.5m investment in the agriculture sector given what it is worth to Queensland is not a lot of money given during the virus we were deemed an essential service and people now know the importance of ag.
"We would like to recognise the government's contribution, but the overall figure is a little disappointing.
"But we do realise we are in a very difficult time with regards to budget, and what we can get is gratefully accepted."
AgForce Michael Guerin said he was pleased the premier had actioned AgForce's recommendations to promote Queensland produce, improve domestic and export market opportunities, and enhance the focus on food safety and biosecurity.
"The premier's announcement reflects views expressed by both state and federal governments that agriculture and regional communities will be pivotal to the nation's economic recovery post-COVID," Mr Guerin said.
"We look forward to continuing to work with the government on further measures as we look to strengthen agriculture as a powerhouse of the recovery effort."