Farm leaders unite on the Murray to demand smarter Basin management, not more buybacks
As conflict in the Middle East drives uncertainty and tightens pressure on fuel and fertiliser supply, Australia’s peak farming bodies have today stood shoulder to shoulder on the banks of the Murray River, warning the Federal Government not to compound the strain with further water buybacks. The National Farmers’ Federation, alongside NSW Farmers and Victorian […]
Farmers in search of workers urged to join program
The AgCAREERSTART team is calling on farmers to sign-up to its popular gap-year program. The AgCAREERSTART program connects young people who are interested in an agricultural ‘gap-year’ with farmers who are looking to hire workers. The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President Hamish McIntyre urged producers to take advantage of the opportunity. “If you know a […]
Horticulture calls on supermarkets to accept price increases to protect food supply
The NFF Horticulture Council has today written an open letter to Australia’s major supermarket chains urging them to respond promptly and constructively to price increase requests from fresh produce suppliers, as fuel and freight costs continue to escalate. Fuel prices, fuel levies and transport surcharges are rising rapidly and, in some cases, changing daily. For […]
NFF welcomes fertiliser decisions and export cost recovery deferral as pressure relief for producers
The National Farmers’ Federation welcomes the Federal Government’s decision to establish a fertiliser taskforce, commit to fertiliser underwriting, and defer the phased transition to full cost recovery for export regulatory services until 1 July 2027. The phased transition was originally due to begin on 1 July 2026. NFF President Hamish McIntyre said the package of […]
Statement on National Cabinet fuel meeting
The National Farmers’ Federation notes National Cabinet’s agreement to a National Fuel Security Plan as a first step in coordinating the response to ongoing fuel pressures, but significantly more action is required to shore up fuel supplies for food production. “National coordination is critical in a situation like this, and we welcome efforts to bring […]
Farmers call for National Cabinet to prioritise food supply
Ahead of today’s National Cabinet meeting, the National Farmers’ Federation is urging the Federal Government to deliver three key outcomes as the situation continues to escalate: NFF President Hamish McIntyre said the sector was already feeling the impact on the ground. “Farmers are making tough calls right now, including rationing fuel, delaying operations, and in […]
‘Extremely disappointing’ EU deal offers little meaningful access
Statement attributable to NFF President Hamish McIntyre Australian farmers are extremely disappointed that negotiations for a free trade deal with the European Union (EU) have concluded without commercially meaningful agricultural market access gains since Australia last walked away from negotiations. What the Australian Government has accepted today appears to offer no material change for key […]
Food supply chain probe welcome, but plan needed now as input pressure mounts
The National Farmers’ Federation welcomes the Federal Government’s decision to commission a National Food Supply Chain Assessment as part of the National Food Security Strategy, but has reiterated its calls for an immediate plan of action for the sector. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, has set a one-month deadline for an interim […]
New NFF CEO Mike Guerin starts with clear focus on unity and delivery
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) today welcomes Mike Guerin as Chief Executive Officer, marking a new chapter for Australia’s peak farm body at a critical time for the sector. Mr Guerin said he steps into the role with a clear view of the pressures farmers, graziers and fishers are currently facing. “Right now, Australian agriculture […]
Opinion Editorial: A bad EU-Australia trade deal couldn’t come at a worse time for farmers
By Hamish McIntyre, NFF President. Australian farmers want a free trade agreement with the European Union. But it must be fair and balanced, with real gains for Australian agriculture at its core. That’s the starting point – and it’s non-negotiable. As the prime minister prepares to host European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Canberra next […]