Support welcomed for take off of Aussie food exports
The National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed support to ensure Australia’s world class seafood, dairy and red meat products continue to be enjoyed in key Asian markets. “Australian farmers export 75 per cent of what they produce,” NFF President Fiona Simson said. “Access to key markets is essential to the continued success of our industry and […]
COVID-19: Roadhouses to stay open & keep truckies truckin’
Truck drivers, the vital link between farms and supermarkets, can continue their work safely, thanks to new exemptions for roadhouses, made by the National Cabinet last night. The National Farmers’ Federation had been concerned of reports of roadhouses shutting their doors to comply with COVID-19 mitigation requirements and the impact on truck drivers who needed […]
Farmers call for urgent action on visa extensions
The horticulture industry is urging the Federal Government to give them the confidence they need to plant the next crop by extending visas of seasonal fruit, vegetable and nut pickers who are already in the country. The National Farmers’ Federation Horticulture Council and the Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA) are united in calling on government […]
COVID-19: Statement from Australia’s livestock industry: Saleyard operations
Australia’s livestock industry has welcomed today’s assurance from Agriculture Minister, David Littleproud, that saleyards will continue to operate. Ensuring continuity in food supply at this difficult time is of critical importance and livestock selling centres are a key component of the food supply chain. Saleyard operators, agents, buyers, processors and producers are acutely aware of […]
Farmers urged to go online to have their say on biodiversity certification
Online consultations have begun this week for the National Farmers Federation’s Australian Farm Biodiversity Certification Scheme Trial. The first forum, held yesterday for Western Australia, included 30 participants from farmers to academic, agricultural and natural resource management organisation’s representatives. The impacts of COVID-19 are being widely felt across all agricultural activities and farm groups, and […]
COVID-19: Governments must guarantee nationally consistent provisions for farmers and transport operators
Governments must assure all Australians that the agricultural supply chain will not be disrupted by state and territory border closures and mandatory quarantine periods, the National Farmers’ Federation has reiterated today. “Protecting human health is the most important priority and the requirement for state border closures and mandatory quarantine is understood,” NFF CEO Tony Mahar […]
COVID-19: NFF calls for the food supply chain to be listed as an essential service
The National Farmers Federation has today reiterated the urgent need for agriculture and the food supply chain to be deemed an essential service, for the purpose of the COVID-19 response. “We have been in discussions, as recently as this afternoon, with the Government clearly acknowledging the critical importance of a reliable food supply chain,” NFF President Fiona Simson said. “The NFF has […]
Don’t panic, we’ve got your back Farmers reassure Aussies about food security
Australians do not need to be concerned about a national food shortage. This is the message to the community from the National Farmers’ Federation today. “Bare supermarket shelves can be unsettling during these uncertain times and it’s natural to want to look after our families as best we can,” National Farmers Federation, President Fiona Simson […]
COVID-19: NFF discusses agriculture’s COVID-19 challenges at AGMIN
National Farmers Federation President Fiona Simson today attended, via phone, a meeting of Commonwealth, State and Territory Agriculture Ministers to discuss the range of challenges for the sector as a result of COVID-19. “It is of paramount importance that as much as possible ‘business as usual’ can continue for farmers and the provision of safe, […]
NFF welcomes Basin report’s focus on community & solutions
The National Farmers Federation has welcomed the release of the Murray Darling Basin Social and Economic Assessment Panel Draft Report. Led by an independent panel comprised of Basin industry leaders, the report highlights the experiences of communities and how they have been affected by the myriad of reforms to water management in the Basin. “The […]