FARMERS would get temporary exemption from assets testing under proposed changes to future drought policy.

The "line on maps" approach of the Exceptional Circumstances scheme would end, while the emphasis would be on preparing for drought and on "mutual responsibility".

These were among principles for drought policy agreed by state and federal agriculture ministers at a meeting in Canberra last week.

They discussed three reports commissioned by Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke.

"The findings of the three assessments are that governments need to re-focus drought programs to support early investment in preparing for the social, environmental and economic impacts of drought and climate change," the ministers said in a communique after the meeting.

Under the principles, farmers seeking income support during drought would be exempt from the usual assets tests for a period of time - yet to be defined - but otherwise be subject to similar welfare provisions as the rest of the community.

Instead of "lines on maps", governments would focus on the specific needs of farm families, businesses and communities.

Income support would require a "level of mutual responsibility", and farm business support would be based on a "willingness" to prepare for drought and climate change.

There should be support for farm communities to prepare for drought and be more sustainable, while farmers' role as food producers must be recognised.

Federal and state officials group will advise on changes to business support and transitional arrangements early next year.

Also last week, Mr Burke said tackling the global food crisis was about boosting productivity as well as providing aid. While aid would help poor countries, "part of our response has to be to produce more food and fibre," Mr Burke said in a ministerial statement.

World trade reform, continued R&D and embracing new technologies such as GM crops were also crucial, he said.