Budget signals productivity gains but risks remain for horticulture
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Horticulture Council has acknowledged positive measures for agriculture in the 2026–27 Federal Budget, while raising targeted concerns for horticultural producers—particularly around labour availability and capacity to absorb skyrocketing input costs. NFF Horticulture Council Chair Jolyon Burnett said the Budget reflects several long-standing advocacy priorities of the Council and the NFF, […]
Budget provides tax certainty for farmers despite tough cuts
Australia’s peak farming body has welcomed key measures in tonight’s Federal Budget that will ease pressure on farmers and strengthen the nation’s food and fibre supply chains, with hard fought wins for farmers in the tax reforms, including primary production income being exempt from a minimum tax on discretionary trusts. However, the National Farmers’ Federation […]
Search begins for next Chair of NFF Horticulture Council
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Horticulture Council has today announced the commencement of recruitment for its next Chair, with current Chair Jolyon Burnett set to conclude his term at the end of June. The Council is seeking an experienced and independent leader to guide its work as the national peak forum for horticulture policy and […]
Farmers welcome $10 billion fuel security package
Comments attributable to NFF President, Hamish McIntyre Todays’ announcement of a $10 billion Australian Fuel Security and Resilience package is a welcome step toward building the sovereign capability we need to protect our food system. The package will establish a fuel and fertiliser security facility, and create a government-owned fuel security reserve. The package will […]
Sensible tax settings and business investment key in volatile times
Farmers will be closely watching next week’s Federal Budget as impacts from the Middle East conflict continue to hit the ag industry hard. The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President Hamish McIntyre said the Budget was an important opportunity to support the sector through sensible tax settings and small business investment. “Farmers are facing waves of uncertainty due to weakened supply chains,” Mr McIntyre said. “We’re concerned that poorly targeted reforms in the Budget could […]
Agriculture and manufacturing unite behind national ethanol and biodiesel mandate
For the first time, four of Australia’s most influential agricultural bodies – the National Farmers’ Federation, GrainGrowers, Australian Sugar Manufacturers and CANEGROWERS – have joined forces to urge the Australian Government to introduce an immediate national mandate for ethanol and biodiesel to bolster fuel security, support regional jobs and unlock new value-adding opportunities for Australian […]
Time to get the Basin Plan right: farmers call for smarter management
As the first comprehensive review of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan has closed, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is calling on the Federal Government to seize the moment and deliver a smarter, more balanced approach to water reform and not repeat the mistakes of the past. NFF President Hamish McIntyre said the review marks a critical […]
Opinion Editorial: We cannot afford to be this exposed again on fuel and fertiliser
By Hamish McIntyre, NFF President Like every producer across the country right now, I’m watching the fuel and fertiliser situation unfold day by day, and making decisions in real time about what comes next. The conflict in the Middle East might feel a long way from here, but its impact is being felt sorely, and […]
NFF appears at public hearing on UOMO Legislation
The below is the opening statement by National Farmers’ Federation’s Telecommunications Committee Chair, Peter Thompson, who appeared at the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee inquiry into Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2025 on Monday, 20 April, 2026. Thank you for the opportunity to appear today. For rural, regional, and remote Australians, mobile […]
Business leaders call for 25% red tape reduction amid rising costs
Nearly 30 groups representing small, medium and large businesses, and universities, that employ millions of Australians, are calling on all governments to cut regulatory costs by 25 per cent to help consumers and businesses amid surging costs caused by the Middle East war. The Alliance of Industry Associations, which represents every part of the Australian […]