Good morning Wentyl,

Australian farmers have always been the heart of the nation and that heart is now pumping harder than ever.

Agriculture is now on track to hit its $100 billion production value target four years early, revealing the underlying strength of “one of the nation’s great success stories”.

Despite drought, market shocks, policy headwinds and commodity price fluctuations, our produce is forecast to be valued at $94.7bn this season, across an agricultural footprint of an estimated 369 million hectares.

The National Farmers’ Federation had not expected the sector to reach the 12-figure sum until 2030.

As we approach Christmas, shoppers have also been urged to “keep Australian Made” in mind. Industry organisations are urging shoppers – who are expected to spend between $700 and $800 each on Christmas gifts based on recent spending trends – to be imaginative, innovative and Aussie-spirited.

Australian Retailers Association Chief Industry Affairs Officer Fleur Brown said the festive season peak trading season could account for as much as two-thirds of retailers’ annual profits.

“Retail employs one in 10 Australians and generates $430 billion in revenue – that’s almost one fifth of our GDP. So shopping local not only gives your favourite retailers a boost – it also boosts our economy," she said. 

It’s just one more reason to Back Australia, and if that wasn’t enough we’ve also revealed the full breakdown of where every dollar you spend at the local shop ends up going, from wages to taxes to the battler businesses and back into the economy.

To see how far your Aussie dollar can go, make sure you don't miss this story.