Policies must help farmers grow

Australia’s peak agricultural representative body, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), has outlined priorities for government policy in the sector in its submission to the Australian Government’s Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper process. President of the NFF, Mr Brent Finlay, said the White Paper process is about driving government policies that in turn drive improved competitiveness in […]

Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper submission

The NFF’s 17 April submission to the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper – Issues Paper, has been made in order to assist the White Paper process to identify pathways and approaches for growing Australian farm profitability and boost agriculture’s contribution to economic growth, trade, innovation and productivity. The submission is available http://www.nff.org.au/get/submissions/4499.pdf[here].

Historic agreement with Japan falls short

Speaking from a press conference in Tokyo this evening, the Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, has announced completion of a Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement. The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) recognises that the Australian government has demonstrated its commitment to complete agreements with our key trading partners, such as South Korea and now Japan. President of […]

Encouraging a specific focus on water infrastructure

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) welcomes the establishment of a ministerial group that will investigate water infrastructure projects, announced today by the Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce. Chair of the NFF Water Taskforce, Les Gordon, said a focus on water infrastructure is necessary to help address Australia’s agricultural sustainability. “Infrastructure investment, including in water, must […]

Snapshot of red tape costs on farm in Australia 2014

To further inform policy discussions on red tape reduction, the NFF has released a report that updates work from 2007: A snapshot of the red tape costs on farms in Australia. The report analyses administrative and compliance costs associated with a sample of farm operations. The report estimates that farmers spend over 20 days—around 10 […]

‘Repeal Day’ sets the scene for much-needed reform

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has today welcomed ‘Repeal Day’, acknowledging the Australian Government’s work to lessen the burden for businesses to comply with unnecessary and costly legislation and regulation. NFF General Manager of Policy, Tony Mahar, commended the Government on responding to the call from the NFF and farmers to take steps to remove […]

Landcare founders call for a new decade of action

On the 25th anniversary of Landcare’s formation, the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) and the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) have again joined forces to call for a new decade of action to tackle the challenges confronting Australia’s land, water, wildlife and farmland. In 1989 the ACF and NFF convinced the Hawke Federal Government to support a […]

Japan FTA: NFF demands a fair go for all

With discussions on the Australia-Japan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations looking as though they will soon be concluded, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) remains adamant that the agreement must deliver good outcomes for all Australian farmers and agribusinesses. NFF and members this week met with Japan’s political trade representative, Mr Koya Nishikawa, who led a […]

A push for profitability: agriculture representatives converge in Canberra

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Members’ Council met in Canberra this week as part of its regular consultation with representatives from each of the State Member Organisations, Commodity Councils and Associate Members. NFF President, Mr Brent Finlay, outlined the key issues affecting the industry, and the main areas of focus for the NFF and members […]

China FTA: A good deal is essential

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s commitment to accelerate a free-trade deal with Australia. An agreement could be signed by the end of the year, which could translate to significant gains for the Australian farm sector. NFF President Brent Finlay has reiterated the importance of finalising the agreement, acknowledging […]