Chinese appetite grows for Australia

Fears over food safety in China are spurring a growing number and variety of Chinese investments in Australian agriculture.

"Chinese food scandals are a key driver of Chinese investment in Australian agriculture because of Australia's brand [reputation] as safe food," said Meredith Paynter, agribusiness leader of international law firm King & Wood Mallesons.

Tough biosecurity laws and quarantine procedures gave Australia the comparative advantage of clean, safe and plentiful supplies of agricultural assets, said National Australia Bank's David Thorn.