First step in addressing farmers' foreign investment concerns
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has today acknowledged the release of the long-awaited ABARES report on foreign investment, and the Federal Government’s response. “Foreign investment continues to be a major source of contention for our members and the wider agricultural industry, but until now, we have not had a clear picture of what investment is […]
NFF Budget Submission: continued investment in ag critical
Continued Government investment is critical to ensuring the future of the agricultural sector, the head of the peak national farming organisation said today. In releasing the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) 2012-13 Federal Budget Submission, NFF President Jock Laurie called on the Government to secure funding for key agricultural programs for the coming year. “We recognise […]
Welcome to 2012: the Australian Year of the Farmer
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has heralded the start of the new year, calling on all Australians to join with agriculture in celebrating the Australian Year of the Farmer. National Farmers’ Federation President Jock Laurie says 2012 is shaping up to be one of the most positive years on record for Australian farmers. “The beginning […]
Monitor reveals this month’s rate movements
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has today released the December NFF Agribusiness Loan Monitor, which shows that only one financial institution has reduced its rates by the full 0.50 percent in the last two months. Suncorp Agribusiness reduced its term loan rate by 0.25 percent in November and another 0.25 percent in December, matching the […]
Government report shows carbon tax will cost farmers
A report released yesterday by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) confirms that farmers will face additional costs under the carbon tax, the National Farmers’ Federation has said. NFF President Jock Laurie said the report clearly shows that farmers will be slugged with additional costs under the tax, due to […]
Pacific Island seasonal workers scheme achieves permanency
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the announcement that the Seasonal Workers Scheme for the Pacific Region and East Timor will become permanent from July 2012. NFF Workplace Relations Committee Chair, Charles Armstrong, said the announcement made by the Government yesterday recognises the success of the Pacific Seasonal Workers Pilot Scheme, and the important […]
Farmers welcome Minister’s call: ‘ag must be on the table’
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has acknowledged the strong statements made by the Minister for Trade, Craig Emerson, that “agriculture must be on the table” under any new World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiating framework. NFF President Jock Laurie said the comments, made by the Minister during the gathering of WTO Trade Ministers in Geneva this […]
Farmers call for recognition of agricultural water savings
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is calling for the Australian Government to fully acknowledge the contributions farmers have already made to the water saving effort, and to do more to ensure communities are not negatively affected by the proposed Murray-Darling Basin Plan. NFF estimates show that should the proposed Basin Plan go ahead, farmers will […]
Northern Australian irrigation to benefit from investment
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the joint announcement by the Federal and Queensland Governments that $10 million will be invested in establishing new irrigation industries in northern Queensland. NFF President Jock Laurie said that any investment aimed at boosting Australia’s agricultural production is a welcome move. “We often talk about the fact that […]
Right decision on dietary guidelines, say farmers
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the decision by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to remove the criteria of environmental sustainability from the dietary guidelines released today. NFF President Jock Laurie said the removal of the environmental sustainability criteria from the guidelines was a win for common sense. “We support healthy […]