Australia

Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world, covering approximately 7.7 million km², and is characterised by vast geographic diversity ranging from arid deserts to tropical coasts and temperate forests. Around 70% of the landmass is classified as arid or semi-arid, with the interior dominated by low-relief plateaus and desert systems such as the Great Victoria and Simpson Deserts. More favourable climatic conditions for agriculture are concentrated along the eastern, southeastern and southwestern coastal margins. Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone, extending over 8.2 million km², also underpins the importance of marine resources.

Human settlement dates back at least 60,000 years, with Indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples maintaining complex land management systems. Modern economic structures emerged following British colonisation beginning in 1788, initially centred on pastoralism. Wool became the first major export industry in the 19th century, shaping rural land use patterns that remain influential today.

Agriculture occupies roughly 55–60% of Australia’s land area, although only about 6% is arable, reflecting climatic constraints. The sector contributes around 2–3% of GDP but is highly export-oriented, accounting for approximately 70% of agricultural production being exported. Australia is one of the world’s largest producers of wheat, typically harvesting 25–35 million tonnes annually, depending on rainfall variability. Barley production generally ranges from 10–15 million tonnes, while canola output has expanded significantly to around 5–7 million tonnes per year.
Livestock production dominates land use. Australia maintains about:

• 24–26 million cattle
• 65–75 million sheep

Beef production averages 2–2.5 million tonnes annually, making Australia one of the world’s leading exporters. Wool remains globally significant, with annual greasy wool production of roughly 300–350 thousand tonnes, representing about 25% of global supply.

Irrigated agriculture, though limited in spatial extent, is highly productive. Cotton production typically ranges between 4 and 6 million bales annually, while sugarcane production in Queensland often exceeds 30 million tonnes per year. Horticulture — including fruits, nuts and wine grapes — has expanded rapidly, with Australia producing over 2 million tonnes of grapes annually, much of it for wine export.

Forests cover approximately 134 million hectares, or about 17% of the land area. Native forests dominate, but plantation forestry has expanded to around 2 million hectares, primarily consisting of eucalyptus and pine species. The forestry sector produces roughly:

• 20–25 million cubic metres of logs annually
• Significant quantities of pulpwood and sawn timber

Although forestry contributes less than 1% of GDP, it plays a critical role in regional employment and environmental management. 

Australia’s marine resources are extensive due to its large continental shelf and surrounding oceans. The fisheries and aquaculture sector produces about 240,000–300,000 tonnes of seafood annually. Wild capture fisheries yield approximately 150,000–180,000 tonnes, with key species including:

• Rock lobster
• Tuna
• Prawns

Aquaculture has become increasingly important, particularly Atlantic salmon, tuna ranching, and oyster farming, and now accounts for more than 50% of total seafood production value.

Overall, Australia’s primary sector is shaped by environmental variability and export dependence. Extensive pastoral systems dominate land use, while technologically advanced cropping, plantation forestry and expanding aquaculture reflect ongoing adaptation to climatic constraints and global market demands.

In 2005 Gerold spent two weeks in Adelaide and the Murray river area. He attended the IFOAM Organic World Conference. Part of the conference were excursions to organic farms.