Ms Davis was responding to comments by the Australian Food and Grocery Council's Dr Geoffrey Annison, who is quoted as saying: "We've got no evidence that demonstrates country of origin labelling is a top level issue for consumers.

"We're quite happy with the current provisions.

"It allows products made in Australia from overseas ingredients to be correctly identified and to give credit for the fact that a lot of the value of the product is produced here."

But Ms Davis questioned what "Product of Australia" or "Made in Australia" actually meant when it was possible to buy products labelled as such that were made with imported ingredients, but processed in Australia.

"South Australian senator Nick Xenophon has pointed out the stupidity and danger of that," she said.

"He pointed out it was possible for consumers to buy a meat pie that said 'Made in Australia' where the packaging and the pastry are from Australia but the meat is brought in from a mad cow-affected country and consumers will be none the wiser.

"How can that be fair?

"None of us likes to be duped — we want to know that what we are buying is exactly what the label says it is.

"Our produce is second to none — when you buy Australian, you are supporting local jobs and local economies.

"These goods have also been produced to Australia's high standards of hygiene and quality.

"Of course, we would urge you to buy Tasmanian first, Australian second."

Ms Davis said that farmers sought honesty and a level playing field.