The Australian food and nutrition system: a basis for policy formulation and analysis

The Australian food and nutrition system can be seen as composed of four subsystems: production; processing and distribution; consumption; and nutrition. The production subsystem has a large number of producers and is largely export-oriented. Processing is domestically focused, with a low level of innovation and a relatively high concentration of ownership. Export activity in this subsystem involves mostly low value-added products. Ownership of food stores is highly concentrated and their influence on innovation in food processing is increasing. The food service industry has many outlets and is growing rapidly. Most food consumption and decisions about it are made in the context of households. Nutrition is now known to be a causal factor in a wide range of chronic degenerative diseases. Improved nutrition, an important avenue for improving the health of Australians, requires coordinated activities across a number of sectors and would be facilitated by a national food and nutrition policy. An understanding of the food and nutrition system will facilitate formulation and analysis of such a policy.