Re-emergence of protectionism hinders economic recovery
AS THE world stumbles further towards protectionism – the United States’ (US) announcement of dairy subsidies the latest misstep – the issues affecting Australia’s ability to trade agricultural commodities on the world stage will be high on the agenda at the ‘Innovation Generation Conference’ being held in Tamworth over 7-9 July 2009. “The US announcement […]
Glimmer of hope as stabilisation signs emerge
THE growing sense of optimism on global markets, highlighted last month, continued through April. Notably, the most recent sharp sell-off in global equities has been reversed, with markets returning to levels prevailing last November. The risk of another calamitous event – like the Lehman Brothers collapse of last September – has receded. Government actions to […]
Budget ’09: farm sector to sustain nation through dark days
Statement by NFF Vice-President Charles Burke THE current economic slowdown shines a bright light on how fundamental our farm sector is to our economy. People often take agriculture for granted, especially in the good times. But our farm sector is the backbone of the national economy because it’s always there, through the ups and downs. […]
Farmers shocked and dismayed by agricultural R&D cuts
Statement by Charles Burke, NFF Vice-President The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is angry and disillusioned about today’s revelation that the Rudd Government will cut research and development (R&D) in griculture, including in the area of climate change research. The NFF was crystal clear in its pre-budget submission: “agricultural R&D investment is at critically low levels […]
Delayed CPRS could still cripple farmers & slash food production
“FARMERS are relieved the Federal Government will defer introducing its Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) for 12 months and wind-back its first year fixed carbon price, however, the CPRS could still devastate the farm sector,” National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Acting President Charles Burke said. “With Australia representing a paltry 1.3% of global emissions, and Australian […]
Feds must wrest Water Plan from delinquent states… now
IN THE wake of today’s failure by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to progress the Federal Government’s ‘Water for the Future’ plan, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is calling on the Federal Government to now take control of the national water reform agenda. “The states have proven, yet again, that they are incapable of […]
COAG on notice over water: “time’s up for stagnant states”
“AFTER 18-months in office the Federal Government’s flagship ‘Water for the Future’ plan – including a dedicated $5.8 billion rural water-use component – is still undelivered and the patience of farmers has been exhausted,” National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Water Taskforce Chair Laurie Arthur said on the eve of the Council of Australian Governments’ (COAG) meeting […]
Call to farmers to get involved in ‘Farm Day 09’
AUSTRALIAN farmers – across all states – are being asked to throw open their gates to a city family for a day in May as part of breaking down barriers to metropolitan understanding about modern farm practices. Farm Day provides unique hands-on experiences and insight, along with the ability to answer all those “where does […]
Climate change dissenter makes a valid contribution: NFF
TODAY the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) welcomed Prof Ian Plimer’s contribution to the climate change discussion and debate, claiming to debunk many of the theories and dire predictions of some within the scientific fraternity. In his new book, Heaven and Earth: Climate change – the real science, Prof Plimer, from the School of Earth and […]
Agriculture in schools initiative gets Govt backing
TODAY the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) welcomes the Federal Government’s formal involvement in the Primary Industries Education Foundation – a not-for-profit company formed to provide stimulating, factual and educationally-relevant materials about modern agriculture for use in Australia’s primary and secondary schools. The NFF is a founding member and driving force behind the creation of the […]