High global prices trigger supermarket price swings
AT FACE value it looks a simple equation, but the relationship between higher food prices and the current drought is not cut and dry, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) explained today. “Numerous reports have recently over-simplified how domestic food prices are set,” NFF Vice-President Charles Burke said. The Westpac-NFF Commodity Index, released today, records the […]
Dealing with drought: secure today, but prepare for tomorrow
“TO MEET the challenges of a changing climate, we need a visionary new approach in the way Australia deals with drought,” National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President David Crombie declared today. “The Australian Government and broader community have responded magnificently to the current crisis. Words cannot express the gratitude of the farm community. “In a measured […]
Prime Minister tackles deepening drought crisis ‘head on’
A STRONG $714 million commitment today from the Prime Minister on the need to tackle Australia’s deepening drought crisis ‘head on’ is very much welcomed by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and all Australian farmers. “Most people would be aware this drought is biting hard, but what many simply could not fathom is that the […]
NFF launches its ‘2007 Federal Election Policy Platform’
AT THIS federal election, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is calling on all political parties to commit to a visionary new strategy aimed at securing the sustainability of Australian farmers – and, through them, advancing the national interests economically, socially and environmentally. The NFF’s 2007 Federal Election Policy Platform (attached below) asserts commonsense new policy […]
Farmers applaud passage of TPA changes for small business
FINALLY, after years of debate, the Trade Practices Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2007 (TPA) strengthening the Misuse of Market Power and Unconscionable Conduct provisions, has passed through the Senate – the last hurdle towards an outcome that is very much welcomed by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF). “Only those businesses with substantial market power […]
Farmers facing unprecedented drought conditions: NFF
THE situation facing farming families, regional businesses and the rural sector as a whole has become acutely severe across many parts of the country, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) warned today. “This drought has reached a scale that is unprecedented,” NFF President David Crombie said. “It’s impact has already been felt throughout the entire community […]
NFF wins two ‘Awards for Excellence’
ON FRIDAY night the National Farmers’ Federation’s (NFF’s) Public Affairs team of Brett Heffernan and Emma Keogh won two prestigious Awards at the 2007 ACT Public Relations Institute of Australia’s (PRIA’s) ‘State Awards for Excellence’, presented during a gala ceremony at the Hyatt Hotel in Canberra. ‘Farmers: Australia’s Environmental Stewards’ won the Gold Award in […]
Risk management vital as rains fail & prices soar
SPARSE winter rains, and the prospect of more of the same over spring, across the Australian grain belt are contributing to the strength in global agricultural commodity prices, with the Westpac-NFF Commodity Index for August surging a whopping 25.4% on year-ago levels. While wheat has been in the vanguard of the price charge, reaching record […]
$2B Communications Fund essential for the bush
IN 2005, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) campaigned for, and secured, the $2 billion Australian Government Communications Fund as a perpetual plan that guarantees rural Australians get telecommunication service upgrades, continually into the future. “The Fund is perpetual in that the interest accrued on the $2 billion investment must be spent on upgrading telecommunications across […]
A boost for broadband services in the bush
THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) endorses signing of the OPEL Network’s wholesale broadband project contract, between the Australian Government and the Optus Elders joint venture. “The ability to access a metro-comparable quality broadband service is of paramount importance to farmers and rural communities,” NFF CEO Ben Fargher said. “When combined with the perpetual $2 billion […]