New data shows farmers will walk away if worker access is further eroded
Farmers are warning they will change what they grow or even walk away from farming if their access to overseas workers is reduced, new data from the National Farmers’ Federation has revealed. A survey of farmers from nearly every commodity across the country comes as visa fee rises and changes to the UK backpacker rules […]
NFF backs the government’s response to the APVMA review
The National Farmers’ Federation welcomes the Federal Government’s well-considered response to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) review. NFF Chief Executive Officer Tony Mahar said it was imperative to the farm sector the APVMA gets back on track and empowering Ken Matthews AO’s review into the Authority’s future structure and governance was a […]
Farmers urged to consider their data security
The National Farmers’ Federation has warned the farm sector will be exposed to disruption unless farmers take an active interest in how their data is managed and secured. Speaking from the FutureAG conference in Melbourne today, NFF Data Policy Manager Gabi Ceregra said the increasing digitisation of Australian farms brought enormous benefits, but also risks […]
Supermarkets still in denial about unconscionable behaviour
Despite two days of intense questioning in Canberra, including a grilling for each of Bunnings, Coles and Woolworths, the supermarkets and big box stores still appear to be in denial about their behaviour and the loss of public trust and support. NFF Horticulture Council Chair Jolyon Burnett said the pressure needed to be kept up […]
Farmers welcome staged approach to environment overhaul
Farmers say they’ll wait to see the legislation underpinning the Environment Protection Agency and Environment Information Australia before forming a view on the second tranche of environmental law reforms announced by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek today. The National Farmers’ Federation has however welcomed the Minister’s decision to stage the reforms, allowing more time for scrutiny […]
Roundtables seek agreement for defining Indigenous agricultural products
The National Farmers’ Federation will host a series of roundtables across April and May to confirm support for the broad characteristics and principles that must be used in defining Indigenous agricultural products. The roundtables are the next phase in consultation in the Indigenous Agricultural Product Framework Project, being led by the NFF and jointly funded by […]
NFF applauds mergers reform
The National Farmers’ Federation commends Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Assistant Minister Andrew Leigh for committing to reforming Australia’s merger and acquisition rules and processes to strengthen competition and streamline investment activity. NFF President David Jochinke said farmers welcomed efforts to ensure corporate activity supported increased competition in Australia’s supply chains. “Ensuring a competitive supply chain […]
Exploitative powers of supermarkets confirmed, with growers forced to foot the bill, while Bunnings gets a free pass
The NFF Horticulture Council strongly supports the key recommendations detailed in the interim Independent Review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct report released today. The Council is particularly encouraged to see recommendations for the enforcement of the mandatory code, and the possibility of increased fines reaching up to 10 per cent of turnover, […]
Emerson’s interim report backs farmers’ call for mandatory code
The National Farmers’ Federation welcomes the interim report reviewing the adequacy of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, saying the recommendations would help give the Code the teeth it needs. NFF President David Jochinke said the report backed farmers’ call for the Code to be made mandatory and be bolstered with greater penalties for […]
Final report concludes mandatory code only way to address poultry sector issues
The National Farmers’ Federation has today released its final report towards creating greater market transparency and competition in the poultry meat sector, following concerns raised by growers and the competition watchdog. In 2020 the ACCC’s Perishable Agricultural Goods Inquiry highlighted significant concerns about practices in the Australian poultry meat supply chain and the impact these […]