Basin Review shows smarter management, not simply ‘adding water’ is the answer
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s 2026 Basin Plan Review Discussion Paper makes it clear that a healthy Basin will not be achieved by water recovery alone, reinforcing the need for a more balanced approach to environmental management. National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Water Committee Chair Malcolm Holm said the Discussion Paper acknowledges that environmental outcomes are influenced […]
Applications open for second round of AgriEmpower Scholarship
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and Woolworths have today opened applications for the second round of the AgriEmpower Scholarship Program. The program is open to people aged 25-40 with a proven commitment to advancing the agriculture industry. The scholarship will guide ambitious workers to foster networks and innovate their ideas in the agriculture sector. Each […]
NFF Horticulture Council welcomes review of Code of Conduct
The National Farmers’ Federation Horticulture Council has welcomed today’s announcement by the Australian Government of an independent review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct. NFF Horticulture Council Chair Jolyon Burnett said the review is a timely opportunity to strengthen fairness and transparency in Australia’s rapidly expanding horticulture sector. “Growers rely on the Horticulture Code to […]
Statement on firearms laws passing parliament
Comments attributable to National Farmers’ Federation President, Hamish McIntyre The Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026 passed Parliament last night as expected, without amendment. We support sensible reforms that keep communities safe. Some parts of this Bill do exactly that, including stronger background checks and measures to crack down on […]
No sugar hit: farmers want long-term investment in budget
The National Farmers’ Federation says its 2026–27 Pre-Budget Submission is not a bid for short-term sugar hits, but a practical blueprint for long-term investments Australia needs. With the Treasurer signalling “hard decisions” and no room for cash splashes, the NFF says farmers aren’t asking for propping up. They’re asking for smart policy and strategic investment […]
NFF questions need for River Murray critically endangered listing
The National Farmers’ Federation does not support the Federal Government’s decision to list the River Murray and associated systems as a Critically Endangered ecological community under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. NFF Water Committee Chair Malcolm Holm said the listing adds another layer of complexity to an already heavily regulated system, without […]
NFF appears at parliamentary inquiry on firearms amendments
The below is the opening statement by National Farmers’ Federation Farming Systems Committee Chair, Chris Groves, who appeared before at the public hearing for the Inquiry by the Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security. The Committee is reviewing an Exposure Draft of the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026. The proposed legislation includes contains […]
NFF welcomes Trade Diversification Network announcement
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed today’s announcement by the Minister for Trade Don Farrell confirming the establishment of the Trade Diversification Network and the inclusion of the NFF in its membership. NFF Interim Chief Executive Su McCluskey said it was essential agriculture was at the table given more than 70% of what Australian […]
EU-Mercosur payoff brings into question EU trade commitment
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has expressed concern that the European Union’s (EU) latest farmer subsidies, brought forward to sign a trade deal with South American countries, will further unbalance international trade scales. European leaders voted to authorise the signature of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement over the weekend, following an offer on agricultural subsidies by […]
NFF statement on bushfires, flooding and cyclone disasters
Comments attributable to NFF President Hamish McIntyre Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the horrific bushfires, flooding and Cyclone Koji. It’s devastating that human and animal lives have been lost, along with vital infrastructure. The scale of destruction is huge, and it will take a lot of time, effort, and money to recover. We […]