Garnaut acknowledges key issues for Australian farmers
SUPPORTING calls by Australian farmers, the Interim Garnaut Report, released yesterday, successfully addresses some key concerns raised by agriculture, including the need for a global response to climate change. “Reinforcing what we have said time and time again, the Interim Report acknowledges that by doing nothing, Australia has a lot to lose from climate change,” […]
Soaring production costs curtail strong global prices
GLOBAL agricultural commodity prices continued their boom over January as the Westpac-NFF Commodity Index recorded a 21.8% gain on the same period last year. However, dramatic increases in farm costs and poor seasonal conditions are taking their toll, making it increasingly difficult for Australian farmers to capitalise on the international price surge. “While higher world […]
Runaway inflation demands a smart Federal Budget
WITH core inflation soaring to 3.6% – well above the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA’s) target range of 2-3% – the RBA’s move to lift rates a further 0.25% today is not surprising, but will require the May Federal Budget to have an investment focus on driving economic growth through capacity building, says the National […]
Farmers back Government bid for better environmental programs
AN OVERHAUL of the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) – flagged in the media today by Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke and Environment Minister Peter Garrett – could be a major win for the environment, especially if the Government cuts excess baggage around bureaucracy and regulatory costs to properly fund programs that actually deliver environmental outcomes. […]
New consumer preferences will force food prices higher
AS SLUMPING global supply and bourgeoning demand take their toll on world agricultural commodity prices, Australian consumers are increasingly attuned to the impacts on their weekly food bills. Illustrating this international trend, the January Westpac-NFF Commodity Index – recording the weighted average world price of agricultural commodities – hit its highest point on record, 19.5% […]
Government’s extension of CDMA network “prudent”: NFF
THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) – having identified numerous substantive concerns through a survey of its members and making those findings available to Minister Stephen Conroy – is relieved by the Australian Government’s extension of the CDMA network to 28 April so that the kinks in Telstra’s Next G™ replacement can be rectified. “It’s sensible […]
Farmers sow seeds for ‘climate action’ with Garnaut & Government
THE National Farmers’ Federation’s (NFF’s) submission to the much-anticipated ‘Climate Change Review’, by esteemed economist Ross Garnaut (the ‘Garnaut Report’), rams home the absolute need to turn the rhetoric around climate change adaptation and mitigation into tangible action. “This can no longer be a subject for pontificating and hollow rhetoric,” NFF President David Crombie said […]
2007: A frustrating year for Aussie farmers
DESPITE the Westpac-NFF Commodity Index reaching record highs in 2007, it has been a frustrating year for Australian farmers many of whom were unable to capitalise on the commodity boom due to poor seasonal conditions and the continuing drought. Commodity prices over the year were largely driven by a surge in global demand for biofuels, […]
Bali 07: much at stake amid talks on new greenhouse rules
WITH the Australian Government ratifying the Kyoto Protocol and discussions now underway on a new international climate agreement in Bali, Australian farmers want the issues of climate change adaptation and mitigation brought to the fore. “Our farmers have already made a huge, and often unrecognised, contribution to reducing Australia’s net greenhouse emissions – primary industry […]
‘Doomsday’ scenario for farming “only if we do nothing”
“IT NEEDS to be stressed that the latest ABARE forecasts for farming in the face of climate change assume today’s technologies and production techniques will remain unchanged… of course, that’s a furphy,” National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President David Crombie said today. “Australian farming never stands still. “In fact, Australian farmers over the past 20 years […]