International Trade Focus Moves to Cairns
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) will host important talks between international farm leaders ahead of the Federal Trade Minister’s meeting of world Trade Ministers (the Cairns Group) in Cairns, at the Shangri-La Hotel, later this month. On 19 September 2006, NFF President and Chair of the Cairns Group Farmer Leaders, David Crombie, will host representatives […]
Time Government Came Clean on Hort Code Intentions
The Federal Government’s willingness to make farmers wait on whether it fulfils or reneges on its election pledge to mandate a Horticulture Code of Conduct is being seen as a slap in the face by growers. The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and Horticulture Australia Council (HAC) have worked tirelessly with the Government to deliver its […]
Practical Moves to Make Native Title Claims Workable
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) welcomes the Federal Government’s response to the Native Title Claims Resolution Review Report, noting the preference for improving mediation over costly litigation to resolve native title claims. “We are encouraged that this emphasis will give substantially more power to the National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT) in the area of mediation,” […]
Pacific Islander Solution to Australian Worker Shortage
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) will today argue the case for Pacific Islanders to work during peak seasonal times in Australia to resolve acute labour shortages across the agricultural sector. NFF Workplace Relations Chairman Duncan Fraser and NFF Manager – Workplace Relations Denita Wawn will appear before the Employment, Workplace Relations and Education Senate Committee, […]
Farmers Take Action on Climate Change
The National Agriculture and Climate Change Action Plan, released yesterday, is the much anticipated product of the collaborative effort of the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and Australian Governments. “The Plan is a great example of how the climate change issue needs to be dealt with in Australia,” said Ben Fargher, NFF CEO. “It provides a […]
NFF CEO Wins 'Young Executive of the Year Award'
National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) CEO Ben Fargher has won the prestigious AFR Boss 2006 ‘Young Executive of the Year’ Award at a gala ceremony at Darling Harbour in Sydney. Mr Fargher, 32, is one of six winners identified through a search for Australia’s best and brightest young executives – all under 35 – each chosen […]
Despite Doha and Interest Rates, World Prices and Rain Offer Relief
The Westpac-NFF rural commodity price index for July rose 2.5% on the same time last year providing some upside for Australian agricultural producers who have otherwise been disappointed by the suspension of the Doha Round and a rise in interest rates. “While the suspension of the WTO negotiations does not mean Australian farmers will be […]
Weeding Out the Myths in the Environmental Debate
FINALLY commonsense is creeping into the public environmental debate. Farmers and those concerned about genuine conservation have long known that many of the accepted ‘norms’ supposedly protecting Australia’s environment have actually done more harm than good. Last weekend’s Sunday program brought to light the reality check long overdue in Australia. ‘Woody weeds’ (or invasive native […]
Crean's WorkChoices Negativity Lost on Regional Australia
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has rejected comments by Labor’s Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Simon Crean, claiming the impact of WorkChoices has been to the detriment of regional Australia. “WorkChoices provides flexibility and a focus on productivity gains that regional communities have sought for many years to overhaul workplace relations regulation and enable farmers […]
WTO Takes a Hit as Europe Falters and the US Digs In
All Australian agricultural industries are extremely disappointed at the suspension of the latest round of World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations, having so far failed to fulfil the promise of international trade reform to deliver improved access for our exporting farmers to overseas markets. “This is a huge lost opportunity for Australian farmers,” NFF Trade Committee […]