Australian farmers continue to face the challenge of declining terms of trade in agriculture, yet remain internationally competitive through effi ciencies and productivity growth. The growth in the farm sector had increased steadily over the 30 year period from 1974-75 to 2003-04 at an average rate of percent, consistently out-performing other sectors. In more recent times, agricultural productivity growth has slowed to 1 percent per annum, illustrating the need for an increased spend on research and development to ensure the industry can meet the food and fi bre needs of the growing world population. Environmental Australian farmers.
