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National Farmers' Federation

2030 roadmap | 2024 Annual report card

Measuring our progress towards $100 billion

Each year, the National Farmers’ Federation releases its Report Card – summarising progress by industry and governments towards the aspirations of our 2030 Roadmap.

Introduction

This past year has been my first as NFF President, and one of the most dynamic for farm policy in recent memory.

In the last 12 months, industry has campaigned hard on ‘red line’ issues like the live sheep export ban, water buybacks and the Biosecurity Tax, which represent a setback in our 2030 vision.

Despite heated conflict with Government on some issues, we’ve welcomed a constructive partnership on others.

We’ve made critical inroads on sustainability – from emissions reduction to nature repair. We’ve seen long awaited progress in rebalancing farmer and supply chain relationships. And we’ve worked proactively with government on telecommunications and technology adoption.

Our 2030 Roadmap remains an important platform for positive and proactive conversations about our industry’s future.

Six years on, we remain committed to its wide-ranging aspirations.

There’s always more to do. For me, farm safety, mental health and sustainability are key focuses, along with many other issues, for the next 12 months. 

With government and industry’s continued commitment and collaboration, I’m confident we can navigate challenges and realise the immense opportunities ahead for Australian agriculture.

Board headshots

David Jochinke

President

National Farmers’ Federation

Outlook for FY25

*Forecast – based on June figures from ABARES

FY25 farm output
$ 1 bn

▲ 2.2%

VALUE OF EXPORTS
$ 1 bn

▼ 4%

increase in volume
1 %

▲ 3.1% crops | 1.3% livestock

Explore by Pillar

Select a pillar to jump to Report Card findings, or simply scroll down.

value-chain

Pillar 1: Customers & the Value Chain

Roadmap Aspiration

1.1 The agricultural value chain has deep engagement with its customers, based on trust and transparency.

2030 Metric

Agriculture is ranked Australia’s most trusted industry.

2024 Outcomes
  • The latest (2023) data from the cross-RDC Community Trust in Rural Industries Project has industry maintaining its level of community trust at a consistent level.
  • NFF along with other industry bodies continues to expand its community perceptions work.
On Track
Roadmap Aspiration

1.2 Our value chain provides a competitive connection to global markets and delivers clear market signals to guide paddock-to-plate investment.

2030 Metric

Australia’s freight cost per tonne-kilometre is competitive with major agricultural exporting nations.

2024 Outcomes
  • The government continued to revise the infrastructure pipeline in regional Australia – resulting in less overall regional spending than previously budgeted.
  • The state of road and rail assets continues to be a significant concern for regional Australians.
off track
Roadmap Aspiration

1.3 Australia has world-leading market access, and the capacity to maximise the economic benefits.

2030 Metric

A 50% reduction in agriculture exports experiencing non-tariff barriers each year. An average tariff faced by agricultural exports of 5%.

2024 Outcomes
  • The Federal Government’s decision to ban live sheep exports by sea sets a concerning precedent by shutting down a market without credible justification.
  • Multiple threats and incursions have tested Australia’s biosecurity system. Meanwhile, the Government has refused to shelve a controversial ‘Biosecurity Tax’ following defeat in the Senate.
  • Trade relations with China have continued to normalise, with restrictions lifted on wine and some beef establishments.
  • Industry strongly supported moves by the Government to push back on a substandard trade offer from the European Union.
needs attention
sustainability

Pillar 2: Growing Sustainably

Roadmap Aspiration

2.1 Farmers continue to embrace sustainable farming methods as part of a coordinated national framework that drives productivity and profitability, while recognising and rewarding environmental stewardship.

2030 Metric

The net benefit for ecosystem services is equal to 5% of farm revenue.

2024 Outcomes
  • Long-awaited legislation to establish a nature repair market passed the Parliament, with work now continuing to operationalise this market.
  • The Australian Agriculture Sustainability Framework entered its final stages of piloting.
  • Reform to Australia’s environment laws has faced continued delays and farming groups remain concerned about current proposals.
on track
Roadmap Aspiration

2.2 Australian agriculture has cemented a competitive advantage and productivity gains by embracing a carbon neutral approach.

2030 Metric

Australian agriculture is trending towards carbon neutrality by 2030.

2024 Outcomes
  • The Government committed to industry-aligned principles which will underpin the forthcoming Ag & Land Sector Plan for emissions reduction.
  • Industry remains concerned about the impact of potential Scope 3 mandatory climate reporting.
  • A Federally-funded network of independent climate extension officers was established to support farmers.
on track
Roadmap Aspiration

2.3 Smart water policy has improved the health of our waterways, made our farms more productive, and made our regional communities more resilient.

2030 Metric

A 20% increase in water use efficiency for irrigated agriculture by 2030.

2024 Outcomes
  • The Federal Government ignored alternative pathways and community concerns to re-write the Murray Darling Basin Plan and green light harmful water buybacks.
  • Buyback rounds now underway have spiked the cost of water by as much as 7% according to independent analysts.
off track
Roadmap Aspiration

2.4 We have stemmed the loss of productive farmland, improved the health of our landscapes, and brokered lasting co-existence arrangements with other landholders.

2030 Metric

Maintain Australia’s total farmed area at 2018 levels.

2024 Outcomes
  • Despite delivery of the Dyer Review, meaningful intervention by energy ministers to improve co-existence arrangements between landholders, communities and energy/transmission proponents has been minimal.
  • Industry in QLD achieved an important win in relation to a precedent-setting carbon capture and storage proposal that threatened water resources in the Great Artesian Basin.
needs attention
Roadmap Aspiration

2.5 Australia has halved food waste, and significantly reduced the number of Australians facing food insecurity – thanks in part to a proactive partnership with the agricultural value chain.

2030 Metric

Halve food waste by 2030.

2024 Outcomes
  • Food inflation remains a key issue, with the number of Australians facing some form of food insecurity up 3% on most recent data (2023, vs 2022).
  • The Government is yet to respond to a House of Representatives Inquiry into Food Security in Australia.
needs attention
innovation

Pillar 3: Innovation

Roadmap Aspiration

3.1 Public and private R&D efforts work seamlessly to translate world-class research into tools and services which give Australian agriculture a competitive edge

2030 Metric

Australia becomes a Top 20 nation for innovation efficiency.

2024 Outcomes
  • High input costs, adverse policy, and limited transformational innovation have continued to weigh on agriculture’s productivity growth.
  • Industry has welcomed reviews, reform and renewal of key personnel at the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
  • Australia has maintained and improved its partnership between industry and government to invest in RD&E via the Rural Research and Development Corporations.
  • Agriculture Innovation Australia (AIA) has started to release its first outputs.
  • The growAG platform, released mid-2021, continued to gain traction as a single portal into our R&D system for investors, researchers and industry.
on track
Roadmap Aspiration

3.2 The agricultural value chain is highly digitised, with the benefits of new technology shared fairly among participants.

2030 Metric

Every Australian farm has access to infrastructure and skills to connect to the Internet of Things.

2024 Outcomes
  • The Government’s On Farm Connectivity Grants were extended with improved funding parameters.
  • The shut-down of 3G networks in regional areas has caused concern, requiring regular communication between industry, government and telcos.
on track
Roadmap Aspiration

3.3 The agricultural value chain has reduced its reliance on fossil fuels, in favour of biofuels and renewable sources of electricity that are affordable and reliable.

2030 Metric

Australia’s farm energy sources are 50% renewable by 2030.

2024 Outcomes
  • Industry has backed the Federal Government’s strategy to develop a low carbon liquid fuels industry in Australia, as part of the Future Made in Australia package.
  • The rollout of renewable energy projects and associated transmission infrastructure has continued to cause significant concern in farming communities.
needs attention
community

Pillar 4: People & Communities

Roadmap Aspiration

4.1 There is a clear career pathway to attract workers and develop their skills, with tailored streams for new entrants through to seasoned professionals.

2030 Metric

Double the number of tertiary and vocational agriculture graduates by 2030.

2024 Outcomes
  • Fee-free TAFE places for agricultural courses continued to be well utilised.
  • Work is progressing to establish an industry-first ‘Agricultural Apprenticeship’ that would be recognised nationally.
  • The Commonwealth-funded AgCAREERSTART program continues to enjoy significant success with an 83% industry retention rate, however ongoing funding has not been guaranteed.
needs attention
Roadmap Aspiration

4.2 We have robust and sustainable mechanisms to access labour from Australia and around the world.

2030 Metric

Increase the available work force by 25%.

2024 Outcomes
  • Changes removing the requirement for UK backpackers to undertake 88 days specified work in regional Australia took effect.
  • The Regional Migration Review has flagged further possible changes to the 88 day requirement.
  • Detrimental changes to the PALM Scheme have seen participation in that program by farming businesses decline.
off track
Roadmap Aspiration

4.3 A career in Australian agriculture is an accessible aspiration for all.

2030 Metric

Achieve gender parity in the agricultural workforce and double the number of women in management roles.

2024 Outcomes
  • Female representation on boards of both industry-owned and ASX-listed agricultural entities has continued to increase, while still lagging the broader economy.
  • The NFF has led an initial phase of work in partnership with the Australian Government to explore the potential for a certification scheme for indigenous agricultural products.
on track
Roadmap Aspiration

4.4 We live in strong regional communities that are home to: world class education and health facilities; culture and entertainment; and a diverse economy.

2030 Metric

A mean score of 5 for every Physical Capital sub-measure in the Regional Wellbeing Survey.

2024 Outcomes
  • The new Commonwealth Government’s most recent budget failed to include meaningful new spending for regional development and infrastructure.
  • The Regional Australia Institute’s Regionalisation Ambition 2032 highlights liveability challenges including access to childcare, rental availability, recruitment difficulties, access to public transport and medical services.
needs attention
Roadmap Aspiration

4.5 Australian farms have embraced a culture of safety, dramatically reducing workplace injuries and eliminating on-farm fatalities. A coordinated effort has improved the physical and mental health of industry participants.

2030 Metric

Zero farm fatalities. Close the gap between the psychological wellbeing of farmers and the broader community

2024 Outcomes
  • 2023 saw a significant decrease in injuries and fatalities on Australian farms, according to FarmSafe Australia’s Safer Farms Report 2024. However, preliminary data for the first 6 months of 2024 indicate a significant increase in injuries and fatalities for this year.
  • The NFF hosted a national summit on mental health and wellbeing, which has now prompted the establishment of a steering committee of industry, researchers and practitioners to drive advocacy and collaboration on farmer mental health.
needs attention
capital

Pillar 5: Capital & Risk Management

Roadmap Aspiration

5.1 Farm businesses have embraced new governance models -helping them better plan for the future, manage risk, and increase profit.

2030 Metric

90% of family farms have documented business plans, including succession plans.

2024 Outcomes
  • Farmers welcomed a restructuring of the Future Drought Fund and commitment to continued funding following a review by the Federal Government.
  • The Future Drought Fund will continue with core funding priorities, including in the network of Drought Hubs.
  • Farmers also welcomed a review by Wendy Craik of the Regional Investment Corporation, recommending retention of the RIC and strengthening of its focus and governance.
on track
Roadmap Aspiration

5.2 Investors are lining up to inject capital into Australia’s agricultural businesses, based on demonstrated returns and a supportive policy environment.

2030 Metric

Year on year increase in equity investment in Australian farm businesses.

2024 Outcomes
  • Growth in Australian farmland prices continued to moderate, with growth of  6.4 per cent in 2023 representing the lowest increase in the past 10 years according to Rural Bank.
On track
Roadmap Aspiration

5.3 Innovative tools to reduce the inherent risks of farming are used by every Australian farm business – supported by consistent and well administered government risk management policies.

2030 Metric

90% of Australia’s farmers employing multiple financial tools to manage risk.

2024 Outcomes
  • Industry has welcomed increased scrutiny on agricultural supply chains, with multiple inquiries resulting in improvements to merger laws and a Mandatory Food & Grocery Code of Conduct.
  • Industry continues to advocate for a legislated right to repair for farm machinery.
needs attention