Unprecedented labour crisis across Australia’s food supply chain
172,000 workers needed say peak food industry bodies or prolonged higher food prices for consumers and reduced food availability will continue throughout 2022 and beyond. Call for federal government to prioritise food sector in upcoming Jobs and Skills Summit Australia’s top peak food industry bodies have calculated the food supply chain is short at least […]
Statement on phase-out of conventional cages
Quotes attributable to NFF CEO, Tony Mahar We’re disappointed by the new Poultry Standards and Guidelines released by the Federal Government yesterday. Industry supports ongoing improvement in animal welfare outcomes. But these processes must be led by science and consider the impacts on farmers and consumers. The rushed phase-out of conventional cages over just 10 […]
NFF hosts the next generation of agricultural leaders
The National Farmers’ Federation with support from Telstra has guided the next crop of agricultural leaders through an immersive three-day “bootcamp” for leadership. The six participants from across the nation visited the nation’s capital for a leadership forum where they learnt about the ins and outs of Parliament, including meeting the Minister for Regional Development […]
NFF welcomes Biosecurity Strategy, calls for action on funding
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the release today of the National Biosecurity Strategy, describing it as a critical step in safeguarding Australia’s farm sector. NFF President Fiona Simson said the immense pressure on Australia’s biosecurity system warranted a clear strategy for the future. “The NFF called for the development of this strategy in […]
Statement on new Biosecurity Taskforce
Quotes attributable to NFF President Fiona Simson Bringing together agriculture officials and other emergency management and response agencies is the right idea. Industry has been planning for a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) incursion for decades. We have a world class biosecurity system, and we have detailed and effective plans in place to manage an […]
Hard truths from WESA should prompt rethink on 450GL
Australia’s peak farm body says the release of the Second Water for the Environment Special Account (WESA) Report should prompt a major rethink of the Australian Government’s policy of recovering an additional 450GL under the Murray Darling Basin Plan. National Farmers’ Federation President Fiona Simson said the findings provide Water Minister Tanya Plibersek the opportunity […]
Statement on food price inflation
Statement by Fiona Simson, President, National Farmers’ FederationToday’s inflation numbers reveal the significant pinch consumers are feeling at the supermarket checkout. Food and beverages are the 4th highest inflation category over the past 12 months at 5.9%. When we look specifically at fruit and vegetables, these have seen a whopping 5.8% spike in the last […]
NFF welcomes stronger biosecurity powers
The National Farmers’ Federation welcomes todays decision by Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Andrew Metcalfe AO, in his capacity as The Director of Biosecurity to establish Biosecurity Response Zones at international airports. Enacted under section 365 of the Biosecurity Act 2015, these zones will improve the powers of biosecurity officers to […]
FMD fragments detected shows system working, but highlights need to continue to strengthen system
STATEMENT BY FIONA SIMSON, NATIONAL FARMERS’ FEDERATION PRESIDENT Today’s statement regarding the interception of items containing fragments of Foot and Mouth Disease brings home the urgent need to ramp up the resourcing of Australia’s biosecurity systems and implement 100% screening of passengers returning from high-risk areas. The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries today advised […]
Farmers part of the solution to reverse biodiversity decline
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is calling for investment and collaboration to reverse declining biodiversity following the State of the Environment Report released today showing Australian biodiversity is suffering significant decline and remains under threat. NFF President Fiona Simson said farmers sought discussion and detail from the Federal Government on “locking up” Australian landscape, which […]