NFF says workers and farmers need an Ag Visa
The National Farmers’ Federation has acknowledged the findings of the Migrant Workers’ Taskforce Report led by Dr Allan Fels AO and cited an agriculture-specific visa as a means to help prevent exploitation and ease the sector’s labour crisis. In the report released today, Dr Fels has made 22 recommendations to protect vulnerable workers including criminal […]
Australian Organic Limited joins the NFF
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is pleased to welcome Australian Organic Limited as a member of agriculture’s peak representative body. Australian Organic Limited is a member owned not-for-profit industry body that supports and promotes certified organic businesses and isa major force in ensuring that organic standards in Australia remain in the hands of the supply […]
Clear advice on fish deaths
Two reports have confirmed that January’s Menindee fish deaths were the result of a terrible, perfect storm of conditions. The interim Vertessy Committee Report, commissioned by the Government and the Academy of Science’s report, commissioned by Labor, both confirm that extreme drought resulted in poor water flows below the Menindee Lakes. The depleted flows underpinned […]
Farm machinery movement to be made easier with harmonised regulation a step closer
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) this week welcomed positive progress on the development of a national set of rules to make it easier for farmers to move agricultural vehicles on public roads. The progress was announced yesterday by Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure, Transport & Regional Development Minister, Michael McCormack, at the property of sheep […]
Smarter approach to drought among changes needed for ag to reach $100 billion
National Farmers’ Federation Chief Executive Tony Mahar says agriculture requires a comprehensive national drought policy if it is to reach its $100 billion potential by 2030. The Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) today released farm productivity figures of $58 billion for 2018-2019, down from $59 billion in 2017-2018. “The decline […]
Farmers herald Indonesian trade agreement & call for all-of-Parliament support for trade
Wide-ranging wins for farmers are the heart of the much-anticipated Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), to be completed in Jakarta today. National Farmers’ Federation CEO Tony Mahar has accompanied Trade Minister Simon Birmingham to Indonesia for the signing. “Today represents real tangible benefits to the hip pocket of many Australian farmers. “IA-CEPA will deliver […]
Farmers welcome Labor's plan to make banks more accountable
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed a commitment by Federal Labor to help level the playing field between farmers and the big banks. NFF Chief Executive Tony Mahar said plans to make it tougher for banks to foreclose on challenged farm debts and to retrospectively examine the charging of default interest were positive. “We […]
Farmers welcome PM's pledge to rebuild flood-affected North Queensland 'station by station'
National Farmers’ Federation President Fiona Simson says further wide-ranging Government support for North Queensland cattle producers would be transformative to the recovery process for producers and their communities. “Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently visited Townsville and surrounding areas and took in the devastation for himself. “He witnessed the heartbreaking loss of animals and the destruction […]
Climate Solutions Fund must help farmers adapt to change, more work needed on natural capital value
The National Farmers’ Federation says the Government’s proposed Climate Solutions Package contains a number of measures that must help support agriculture to reach its potential. “Reducing emissions and being valued for our land stewardship are key parts of the NFF’s plan for the farm sector to reach $100 billion by 2030 – up from $60 […]
Electricity price safety net gets thumbs up from farmers
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) welcomes further progress aimed at reducing retail electricity prices with the Australian Energy Regulator’s release of its Default Market Offer (DMO) draft Determination for consultation. “The DMO will help reduce prices for those on standing offers by acting as a reference price for retailers to advertise their market offers,” CEO […]