WTO Must Deliver Trade Access for Farmers by July
National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President Peter Corish has wrapped up his trade talks in Geneva where he has been advocating on behalf of Australian farmers for a commercially significant outcome from the Doha round of World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations. “As an Australian farmer and, indeed, as a Cairns Group member along with numerous other […]
Broadband Wireless for the Bush a Good Idea
Last year the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) welcomed the Telstra commitment to deliver a commercial UMTS 850 wireless mobile phone and broadband data network that will deliver “the same or better coverage and services” than the current CDMA network. “A broadband wireless network that covers the existing CDMA footprint and provides access to a mix […]
Federal Budget 2006: What Farmers Want
In its pre-Budget submission to government, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) called for key tax reforms, greater spending on Australia’s regional road and rail, and port network and genuine recognition of the role farmers play in delivering environmental outcomes on behalf of the broader community. In the wake of recent Budget speculation, along with the […]
Farmers: Vital Links in Securing Australia's Food Chain
Farmers have stepped up to the plate to fulfil their role in protecting Australia’s food chain under the new National Food Chain Safety and Security Strategy, launched by the Federal Attorney-General Philip Ruddock in Adelaide over night. The Strategy is the culmination of a two-year collaborative effort by governments and industry organisations, including the National […]
Another Major Review Calls for Progress on GM
THE most comprehensive independent review of gene technology in Australia has called on governments to reach agreement on a way forward to allow Australian farmers to embrace the benefits of GM technology. The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) today echoed that plea. The Review of Australia’s Gene Technology Act 2000 concluded that Australia’s regulatory framework for […]
Farmers go Online to Test New Agricultural Monitoring System
THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is encouraging Australian farmers to log on and test drive the live pilot version of the new National Agricultural Monitoring System (NAMS). The NAMS live pilot, launched by Primary Industries Ministers in Sydney today, is an important step towards streamlining the application and assessment process for Exceptional Circumstances (EC) via […]
Environmental Stewardship to Recognise Farmers' Efforts
FARMERS are Australia’s frontline environmentalists, embracing eco-friendly farm practices and innovative technology to enhance their (and the nation’s) natural resources. It’s only fitting they should be provided incentives for preserving and managing Australia’s natural treasures and environmental icons. Under our stewardship proposal announced in the media today by Federal Minister for Agriculture Peter McGauran, farmers […]
Reports, Reviews and Recommendations: NFF Calls for Action
THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the release of findings from the Australian Government’s Taskforce on Reducing the Regulatory Burdens on Business – Rethinking Regulation, however, the Government’s interim response must actually address the concerns of small business, not just tinker at the edges or, worse still, give rise to yet another review. “Unnecessary, […]
Climate Extremes Reap Bitter-Sweet Harvest
GLOBAL climatic extremes have driven the Westpac-NFF rural commodity index up 7.3% over 2005-06, however, Australian farmers were hit hard in March as 230,000 tonnes of sugar (worth over $100 million) was destroyed in the wake of the worst cyclone to ravage north Queensland in 40 years. “Cyclone Larry was a cruel blow to the […]
Genuine Animal Welfare Takes More Than Lame Stunts
Despite the failure of protests over live animal exports to attract public support, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) knows animal welfare is a key social license trigger for the future of Australian agriculture, stretching well beyond the meagre numbers of recent rallies. “The more people are exposed to some of the groups involved in ‘animal […]