Weeds and pests cost farmers billions, reinforces need for container levy
A report released by ABARES this week has highlighted that weeds and pests are costing farmers $5.3 billion a year through management and production loss. National Farmers’ Federation CEO Tony Mahar said this extraordinary figure once again showed farmers were already doing the bulk of the heavy lifting in Australia’s biosecurity system. “Australian farmers […]
Statement on splitting controversial industrial relations bill
Comments attributable to NFF President, David Jochinke We thank crossbench and Coalition senators who have voted today for more scrutiny of the Government’s complex and controversial industrial relations agenda. Splitting the omnibus bill means we can get on with the uncontroversial stuff, while giving more sensitive areas the scrutiny and debate they deserve. We hope […]
Billboards land in Canberra to send clear message: Say no to buybacks
The Keep Farmers Farming message has landed at the Canberra Airport with billboards, plus digital advertising, sending a clear message to Federal Parliament to reject water buybacks, ahead of the Bill to rewrite the Murray Darling Basin Plan being introduced to the Senate this week. NSW sheep and grain farmer Michael Chalmers, pictured on the […]
Farmers applaud Trade Minister for standing firm on EU
The National Farmers’ Federation has congratulated Trade Minister Don Farrell for turning down an EU trade offer that would have disadvantaged Aussie farmers. Speaking following the briefing of industry representatives in Osaka, NFF President David Jochinke said the Minister had made the right call for Australia. “Today’s decision was a hard one, but ultimately it […]
NFF launches free information service to boost on-farm digital and agtech adoption
Digital and agtech adoption on Australian farms has been held back by connectivity issues and digital literacy, but this complex landscape will now be easier to navigate with the launch of the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) On Farm Connectivity Information Service. The independent Information Service will provide free, practical, tailored support for farmers through the […]
NFF tills common ground on market reform
Representatives from along the fresh produce supply chain and independent experts will join a panel, hosted by the NFF Horticulture Council, to explore shared competition policy reform priorities and opportunities at the NFF Conference today. The panel comprises spokespersons from the Australian Council of Trades Unions (ACTU), Apple and Pears Australia Ltd, Master Grocers of […]
New President launches national campaign against anti-farming policies
An unprecedented campaign against anti-farming policies has been launched today by new NFF President David Jochinke in his first day in the role. Speaking in Canberra at the National Farmers’ Federation National Conference, Mr Jochinke called on parliamentarians to stand up against policies which threaten to slash billions from farm production. “Farmers have always put […]
NFF Conference spotlights female leadership at diversity graduation
Farmers, agricultural leaders and 35 program partners from across Australia have today seen 12 extraordinary women from a cross-section of professional and personal experience take their leadership journey to the next level, graduating from the National Farmers’ Federation Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program. The graduation, coinciding with the NFF’s National Conference, showcased the growth in […]
David Jochinke elected President of National Farmers’ Federation
Victorian grain and livestock producer David Jochinke has been elected President of the National Farmers’ Federation, succeeding Fiona Simson who steps down after seven years in the role. Hailing from Murra Warra in western Victoria, Mr Jochinke has served as Vice President of the NFF since 2017, and previously served as President of the Victorian […]
NFF welcomes Federal Fire Ant funding, calls for states to commit
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) welcomes the Minister for Agriculture Murray Watt’s $268 million commitment for the National Fire Ant Eradication Program. NFF Chief Executive Tony Mahar said the funding, committed over four years, was a critical investment to increase activities to stop the spread and eradicate Red Imported Fire Ants in Australia. “It cannot […]