The Economic Contribution of Melbourne’s Foodbowl

Running head: ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF MELBOURNE’S FOODBOWL
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The Economic Contribution of Melbourne’s Foodbowl
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ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF MELBOURNE’S FOODBOWL
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The Economic Contribution of Melbourne’s Foodbowl
Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, only second the Sydney. The city
has a population of over 4.6 million people. Melbourne is also the most productive
agricultural zone in Victoria; producing several varieties of foods, especially fresh
vegetables. This essay discusses the contribution of Melbourne’s food bowl to the Australian
economy (Deloitte Access Economics, 2016).
Value of Melbourne’s Foodbowl
Melbourne’s food-bowl constitutes over 1.7 million hectares of agricultural land.
Several agricultural activities make up a number of commercial enterprises namely, fresh
vegetable produce, dairy, poultry, and livestock other products. The total contribution of
Melbourne to the regional economy amounts to $2.45 billion. The $2.45 billion contribution
to the regional gross product represents 0.84% of the local economy. Similarly, the food-bowl
contributes 7,687 direct and 5,719 indirect full-time employees and another 7,595 in the
manufacturing industry. These employees make up 21,001 workers representing 1.06% of the
total regional workforce.
The amount has RGP contribution been growing over the years as the demand for
food also grows. Melbourne is focused on resolving the paradox of urbanization brought
about by increased demand for food while the production lowers. The potential impact of
urbanization is evident in the amount of pressure being put on the farmland. The current
scenario indicates that the food-bowl has been affected by urban encroachment and has been
significantly reduced by 10,897 hectares, equivalent to 0.62% of the total food-bowl (Deloitte
Access Economics, 2016).