Leading on trade must be Obama’s tonic for recession ills
“GLOBAL trade reform probably isn’t occupying much of the new President’s thoughts, but it should,” National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President David Crombie mused as America’s 44th President was sworn in early this morning (Australian time). “With world economies in freefall and the international food crisis ever-present, leading the charge in trade reform to open up […]
Federal Budget ’09 must offer more than a short-term fix
WITH the Australian Government’s Federal Budget focus on injecting economic stimulus – and Australian agriculture vital in keeping the national accounts from falling into the red – the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is urging the Government to invest in long-term development and growth to sustain Australians through the global financial crisis. “If done right, the […]
Federal Court’s MIS ruling highlights need to change the law
ON FRIDAY the Federal Court of Australia handed down its ruling on the Managed Investment Scheme (MIS) Test Case, finding that investor contributions in the controversial practice are, to the letter of the law, eligible for a tax deduction. “The Federal Court’s ruling, by definition, is a question of the existing law,” National Farmers’ Federation […]
NFF restructure gets full support of members for ’09 launch
TODAY the members of the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) unanimously endorsed a new membership and organisational structure that will enable the whole of agriculture to be involved with the nation’s peak farm body. NFF President David Crombie said the members – comprising state farmer and commodity groups from around the country – all agreed to […]
Beale’s boost to quarantine & biosecurity much-needed: NFF
“AUSTRALIA’S pest and disease free status is vital for our farming sector – both in production and marketing terms – and we support the broad thrust of the Report,” National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President David Crombie said following the Australian Government’s response to the Beale Quarantine and Biosecurity Review today. “Fundamental to our favourable international […]
Credit crisis highlights need for global trade reform
ACCORDING to the Westpac-NFF Commodity Index this month world prices for agricultural commodities fell a further 2.2% in November – on the back of a 1.3% drop in October – as the global economy continues its slump. While agricultural commodities remain buoyant, the credit squeeze has taken hold across most sectors precipitating major declines in […]
Higher education opportunities to kick-start rural prosperity
TODAY’S Bradley Review of Australian Higher Education highlights the investment needed to overcome innate obstacles rural Australians face in accessing higher education opportunities and the need to unlock labour force capacity to build productivity gains and generate economic growth. “As noted in today’s Bradley Review findings, all Australians – regardless of where they live – […]
Research the key to long-term gains for a smarter economy
“AUSTRALIAN farmers’ nation-leading productivity growth of 2.8% a year over the last 20 years has been achieved on the back of the groundbreaking technologies and sustainable practices discovered through research and development (R&D),” National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) CEO Ben Fargher said today as he welcomed a new Rural Research Development Corporations’ Report. “As today’s Measuring […]
Agriculture out of the CPRS but not out of the woods
DESPITE the inability to cover agriculture under the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS), as today’s White Paper reaffirms, the Australian Government must take steps to ensure our food production is not compromised, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) said today. “The CPRS will cause pain to businesses… it’s designed to,” NFF President David Crombie said. “But […]
Swan Hill & Griffith first to trial Pacific Island solution
TODAY the Australian Government announced the first regions to trial the Workforce from Abroad Employment Scheme – enabling around 100 seasonal workers from the Pacific Islands to start in Swan Hill (Victoria) and Griffith (NSW) within a matter of weeks. “With horticultural regions across Australia loathe to see another season of fruit rotting on tress, […]