Analysis reveals limited global impact on domestic grocery prices
RECENT Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) analysis around grocery prices has highlighted that the connection between international food prices and overall domestic retail prices of grocery goods is limited. The August Westpac-NFF Commodity Index recorded the rise in global agricultural prices in recent years, particularly within the grain, oilseeds and dairy sectors. The ACCC […]
NFF call to break down employment barriers
TODAY the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) issued its Pastoral Partnerships Project Discussion Paper, aimed at breaking down the barriers for the long-term unemployed, indigenous Australians, disabled people and women to enable them to take up jobs and careers in farming. “We’re seeking input from all individuals and groups with an in-depth understanding of the employment […]
NFF’s Pacific Island solution gets Govt ‘go ahead’
THE Australian Government will implement a pilot program to trial the National Farmers’ Federation’s (NFF’s) Workforce from Abroad Employment Scheme – today approving a new Pacific Island seasonal workers visa in key horticultural regions. The announcement has been warmly welcomed by NFF Vice-President Charles Burke, who co-launched the program with Agriculture Minister Tony Burke at […]
Voluntary buyouts ok, but be aware… there is no water
THE acceleration of water buyback in the Murray-Darling Basin is understood by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), who today congratulated Prime Minister Kevin Rudd for his Government’s commitment to national reform – including recognition of water property rights and purchases from ‘willing sellers’ only. “Voluntary acquisition remains the cornerstone of the Government’s approach and we’re […]
Pacific Island seasonal workers to get a great deal
ELEVENTH-HOUR scaremongering over Pacific Islanders working on Australian fruit and vegetable farms evoked the ire of the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) today, frustrated that out-dated attitudes and misinformation have been seized upon in a bid scuttle such a vital part of filling 22,000 job vacancies in horticulture. “Since 2005 we’ve been completely transparent about the […]
2008 Rural Trade & Skills Teacher of the Year Awards
THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is calling for nominations to recognise outstanding achievement under the ‘Trade and Skills Teacher of the Year Awards’ run in conjunction with the Institute for Trade Skills Excellence (the Institute). Three Awards – each worth $5,000 – aim to raise the profile of rural trade skill teaching and its importance […]
Questions remain on grocery prices
WHILE new analysis on grocery prices is welcome, Australian farmers remain frustrated that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC’s) Grocery Price Inquiry has been unable to shine significant new light on the operations of the food supply chain. “Although the ACCC analysis has started the process, farmers remain bemused as to why there is […]
Farmers await findings of ACCC Grocery Inquiry
THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is looking forward to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) providing the results of its much-anticipated Grocery Price Inquiry to the Australian Government tomorrow. “Farmers are, quite literally, at the bottom of the food supply chain,” NFF Vice-President Charles Burke said. “Once our produce leaves the farm we have […]
Breakdown of WTO negotiations another lost opportunity
THE breakdown of negotiations in the Doha Round of World Trade Organisation (WTO) trade talks is another dismal result for Australia’s farmers and agricultural exporters, and a huge lost opportunity for the world’s hungry,” National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President David Crombie said. “The collapse, caused by hard-line demands for unacceptable flexibilities in agricultural and non-agricultural […]
Disability no barrier to employment participation
THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has applauded calls by the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services, The Hon Bill Shorten MP, for broader consideration of staff with disabilities. “Staff with disabilities make a valuable contribution to the agricultural workforce,” NFF President David Crombie said. “In fact, employees with disabilities, occupy a greater share of […]