Global food crisis: new report highlights causes & solutions
“UP TO 100 million people will be added each year to the world population in the lead up to 2030,” National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President David Crombie said. “While available agricultural land will remain limited, clearly we will need to feed a lot more mouths from those finite resources. “The NFF raised this very concern […]
Farmers await ‘go ahead’ for Pacific Island pilot scheme
A NATIONAL Farmers’ Federation (NFF) detailed proposal for an Australian Government-backed ‘pilot programme’ under a new Seasonal Worker Visa to allow Pacific Islanders to fill entry-level positions in Australia’s horticultural sector – where 22,000 employees are needed – is under active consideration by the Government. “We are now awaiting Federal Cabinet consideration of the plan,” […]
Sustainable farming is a modern reality
“AUSTRALIA’S farmers occupy and manage 61% of Australia’s landmass,” National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President David Crombie said as the nation’s peak farm group marks World Environment Day. “As such, they are at the frontline in delivering environmental outcomes on behalf of the broader community. “At a time of global food insecurity, where prices are spiralling […]
Trade barriers fuel world food shortage: NFF
IN THE midst of an escalating global food crisis – precipitating riots in several countries – Australian farmers are increasingly uneasy about the knee-jerk leap to trade distorting policies by foreign Governments in a misguided bid to lower their domestic food prices. The May Westpac-NFF Commodity Index recorded a global shift – dropping 5% – […]
World food shortages impact Australian farmers
THE May Westpac-NFF Commodity Index continues to record agricultural commodity prices at 22% higher than this time last year, despite a slight softening of prices as international buyers delayed purchasing additional stock on world markets. “Scarcity and record high prices for basic food items, such as wheat, precipitated violent riots in Egypt, Morocco, Senegal and […]
Chile FTA breaks the seal on Latin America
THE Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Australia and Chile – announced today by Trade Minister The Hon Simon Crean MP – is comprehensive, covering all agricultural products including Chile’s most sensitive commodity, sugar. “It’s a landmark deal,” National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President David Crombie said. “It establishes Australia’s first FTA with a country in Latin […]
Budget ‘08 unlocks capacity for economic growth: NFF
TONIGHT’S Federal Budget addresses major challenges Australian agriculture must overcome to provide food for Australians and the world – a changing climate, chronic skills shortages, inefficient transport and communications networks, and water reform – according to the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF). “This Budget combines essential spending on building capacity across key areas that hamper economic […]
'Beef up' quarantine protection warn farmers
THE breakdown in quarantine procedures – exposed by the recent equine influenza (EI) outbreak – threatens Australia’s pest and disease-free status, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) warned today, as the nation’s peak farm body called on all levels of Government to address a glaring lack of confidence in the system. In its submission to the […]
ACCC Grocery Inquiry looms as ‘toothless tiger’
A PUBLIC outburst from Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Chair Graeme Samuel that his Inquiry has failed to identify a “smoking gun” over grocery price gouging has left farmers and consumers bewildered by the ACCC’s apparent abrogation of responsibility, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) said today. “Media comments attributed to Mr Samuel today suggest […]
Labour shortages may thwart bumper season
WITH the April Westpac-NFF Commodity Index recording global commodity prices 25% above this time last year, and Australian farmers gearing up for a bumper winter season, new fears have surfaced about a lack of labour to meet the expected surge in production. “Grain and cotton markets continued their climb as governments around the world attempt […]