DROUGHT RESPONSE MUST BE TWO-PRONGED: RELIEF AND RECOVERY
The Federal Government’s $350 million expansion of the Exceptional Circumstances (EC) provisions was an essential first step in stopping the haemorrhage for drought affected families and communities – but the focus must now turn to environmentally managing the drought to ensure we emerge the other side with viable farms and our natural resources intact. “The […]
ABANDONING FARMING WOULD COST MAINSTREAM AUSTRALIA DEARLY
“Ludicrous claims that Australian agriculture is dead or dying are wrong. It’s thirsty work, no doubt, but the contribution of farming to the economic, environmental and social lifeblood of all Australians cannot be dismissed on the whim of a few ill-informed ideologues,” NFF President David Crombie said today. “Recent claims may be good for a […]
AUSTRALIA'S QUARANTINE SYSTEM BOLSTERED
National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President David Crombie says improvements to Australia’s Import Risk Analysis (IRA) process, announced by the Federal Government today, will substantially boost Australian farmers confidence in our quarantine system. “NFF consulted extensively with members and key stakeholders over the past 12 months on ways to improve Australia’s quarantine and biosecurity system,” Mr […]
BUSINESS SUPPORTS TRADE PRACTICE REFORMS – TIME SENATE DID LIKEWISE
The National Farmer’s Federation (NFF) is hopeful that new trade practice reforms that streamline the ability for farmers to collectively negotiate will pass through the Senate following a unanimous show of support by the major small business associations. Passage through the Senate of Trade Practices Legislation Amendment Bill (No.1) 2005 stalled last year due to […]
FARMERS WELCOME EXTENSION OF DROUGHT ASSISTANCE
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement that the Australian Government will commit an additional $350 million to extend Exceptional Circumstances drought assistance to all eligible producers. “The Government’s recognition and support for farmers during these prolonged dry conditions is very important and very much appreciated,” NFF President David Crombie said. […]
Drought – short-sighted to think it's just a farm problem
THE Westpac-NFF rural commodity index was 1.7% lower this month as beef prices, in particular, showed a significant decrease on levels 12 months ago – exacerbating farmer concerns as the dry conditions turn critical. Australia-wide the combined effects of drought have prompted ABARE to forecast a 45% decline in net farm income, plummeting to its […]
Exciting Opportunities for Telecommunications in the Bush
Today’s launch of Telstra’s 850 MHz NEXT G network to provide mobile voice and broadband wireless services to 98% of Australia’s population is welcomed by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF). “NFF is excited about the potential opportunities offered by the Telstra NEXT G network in rural and regional Australia, particularly the availability of broadband wireless […]
NFF's Call for Govt 'Farm Blueprint' on Track
The Federal Government’s response to the Agriculture and Food Policy Reference Group (the Corish Report) has been hailed as a ‘landmark statement’ by National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President David Crombie. The 2005 Corish Report, Chaired by then-NFF President Peter Corish, and today endorsed by the Government, follows NFF calls for a national blueprint on agriculture […]
In Taking Australian Farming to the World: NFF Thanks Mark Vaile and Welcomes Minister Truss
National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President David Crombie has thanked Deputy Prime Minister The Hon. Mark Vaile MP on behalf of all Australian farmers for his tireless efforts to open markets for Australian farmers during his seven years in the trade portfolio. “Mr Vaile was unwavering in his pursuit of an ambitious and pragmatic trade policy […]
Ministers back farmers' call to restart WTO negotiations
The 20th Anniversary meeting of the Cairns Group concluded in Cairns today with the release of a strong communiqué which calls for a quick resumption in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Doha Round negotiations. “Cairns Group Ministers have picked up on all the points put to them by the Cairns Group Farm Leaders (CGFL) and […]