Labor’s IR ‘evolution’, rather than ‘revolution’, is prudent
TODAY the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) moved to support the Rudd Labor Government’s process for implementing its industrial relations agenda – describing it as an “evolution, rather than a revolution”. “It may be little understood, but the policy Labor took to the federal election will not see any extensive changes to workplace relations laws in […]
Burke welcome in the agriculture portfolio: NFF
“THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has enjoyed a constructive relationship with Labor in Opposition, throughout the election campaign, and we look forward to continuing that spirit of engagement with them in Government,” NFF President David Crombie said. “Not only is Australian agriculture an important contributor to the lifeblood of this nation – across economic, environmental […]
NSW & Victorian farmers cast-off out-dated GM shackles
“NSW AND Victorian farmers can now capitalise on the opportunities gene technology poses for agricultural production – finally able to develop more environmentally-sustainable, drought-resistant and better yielding crops,” National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President David Crombie said today as the NSW and Victorian Governments lifted their moratoria on genetically-modified (GM) crops. “This will make farmers more […]
Farmers look beyond Saturday to a vision for Australia’s future
Election ’07 Wrap “BY 2020, half of the world’s population will be on Australia’s northern doorstep,” National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President David Crombie emphasised today. “An estimated four billion people – an increase of 500 million – across Asia, with economic growth of 7% per annum, presents unparalleled opportunities for Australia’s economy, especially our farm […]
Rudd’s 'education revolution' fails vital test
THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is bewildered by Labor’s plan to dump the highly successful and increasingly strategic ‘Advancing Australian Agriculture’ (AAA) FarmBis program. “Labor Leader Kevin Rudd talks about the importance of education and training and of an ‘education revolution’ platform, but is axing a program that trains farmers to improve their skills and […]
A changing climate a challenge for farmers: NFF
AUSTRALIAN farmers recognise that the threat of a changing climate is potentially the biggest issue they will face in the future. The commitment by the Labor Party to work closely with farmers to adapt to a changing climate is a clear recognition of the importance of this issue to rural and regional Australians. “Farmers need […]
Economic growth underpins world agriculture prices
DESPITE an aggressive appreciation of the Australian dollar dampening world prices during October, the weighted average world price of agricultural commodities remained 17.9% higher than levels this time last year, according to the latest Westpac-NFF Commodity Index. While growth in biofuels is largely credited as the key driver behind recent rises in world prices for […]
Higher skills needed on modern Australian farms
MODERN Australian farms require a much higher skilled workforce than in the past, with new farm systems and cutting-edge technologies implemented on-farm, right across the nation, every day. “The commitment yesterday by the Labor Party to fund 450,000 skilled training places is a positive one for rural Australians, with agriculture facing unprecedented demand for skilled […]
Coalition ag policy lacks vision on key issues: NFF
THE future of Australian agriculture depends on how we, as a nation, deal with the key issues of a changing climate, drought and water scarcity today, and on the creation of a viable plan for the future, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) declared today. “The NFF and our members have a vision for a modern, […]
Farmers call for a vision for agriculture
WITH just two weeks to go until election-day, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is calling on both sides of politics to outline their vision for the future of Australian agriculture. “To date, rural Australians have heard little mention of agriculture in this federal election campaign,” NFF President David Crombie stated today. “We are talking about […]