Collective bargaining changes a boost to farmers’ clout
THE Australian Government has agreed to an extension in the transaction thresholds for collective bargaining from $3 million to $5 million – effectively making it simpler, faster and cheaper for farmers to unite and collectively negotiate better prices and conditions from the ‘big end of town’. The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), having lobbied for this […]
Strong ABARE export forecasts spur on Australian farmers
AUSTRALIAN farmers are upbeat following positive reports this week of strong world commodity prices and the forecast by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) to expect a surge in agriculture production and export values. Holding steady for February, the Westpac-National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Commodity Index, measuring the weighted world price of Australia’s […]
Commonsense wins out in farmers’ free NZ holiday offer
AUSTRALIA’S drought-affected farmers will be relieved at news they will not be penalised by the loss of drought assistance payments if they take up the offer of free holidays in – and free flights to – New Zealand. Overnight the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, The Hon Peter McGauran MP, indicated the Australian […]
Slashing red-tape for farmers a priority
AUSTRALIA’S farmers will be ‘first-cab-of-the-rank’ in a new Productivity Commission review to cut through the choking layers of bureaucratic red-tape that beset agriculture – particularly needed to make sense of the myriad of local, state and national regulations on farm businesses. “Today’s announcement by the Australian Government that farming will be the first sector reviewed […]
Rural skills shake-up recognises importance of agriculture
THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) threw its support behind proposals to address key skill shortages in rural Australia – outlined in ‘Skills: Rural Australia’s Need’ released today by the House of Representatives Agricultural Committee. “Importantly, the Report recognises the vital role agriculture plays in boosting the national economy, and it clearly emphases the link between […]
Drought-affected farmers’ NZ holidays hit a snag
THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) today moved to ensure that Australia’s drought-affected farmers looking to take up the generous offer from New Zealand farmers of free accommodation in New Zealand – along with free flights donated by Jetstar – are fully aware Centrelink will cancel their payments while they are away. The NFF has been […]
Exports dry up as drought deepens, but expect a rebound
DESPITE a massive hike of almost 20% in world commodity prices, Australia’s farmers are often sidelined – unable to capitalise – as the drought continues to slash production volumes. The Westpac-NFF Rural Commodity Index, measuring the weighted world price of our major agricultural commodities, this month increased by 19.6% on levels a year ago – […]
PM’s water plan poses questions farmers need answered
WITH the Prime Minister and State Premiers set for a showdown over water management rights today, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has cast its hat in the ring, calling on the Federal Government to break the ‘cone of silence’ around the detail of its $10 billion water plan. “We’re prepared for the usual ‘argy bargy’ […]
Climate change threat must be tackled ‘head on’
“THE threat of global climate change is potentially the biggest issue Australian agriculture has ever faced with reports of increasing seasonal variability and more extreme weather events,” National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President David Crombie declared today in the wake of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report, released over the weekend. “The Australian farming […]
Bold new approach to 'positively' manage water
“Today the Australian Government ushered in a bold new approach to the way Australia manages its most precious natural resource – water,” National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President David Crombie declared. “In his Australia Day Address, Prime Minister John Howard handed down a landmark partnership blueprint on water management and reform, recognising and building upon the […]