COVID-19 stimulus package a boost for farmers and the bush
NFF CEO Tony Mahar said today’s Federal Government COVID-19 stimulus package was a welcomed boost for agriculture and the bush. “Many farmers and the communities they support, are already doing it tough from the prolonged hardship of drought and in some regions, bushfires and floods. “The measures in today’s stimulus package will benefit farm businesses, […]
Farmers’ input sought on model to reward positive environmental management
Regional consultations begin next week inviting farmers’ input on the development of a framework to reward them for promoting biodiversity through verification mechanisms. The National Farmers’ Federation has a goal for five per cent of farmers’ income to be derived from ecosystem services by 2030. The target is part of the NFF’s plan for agriculture […]
Farm sector braces for coronavirus impact
National Farmers’ Federation Chief Executive Officer, Tony Mahar says agriculture is feeling the effects of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on multiple fronts. “The most obvious impact is on Australian farm exports,” Mr Mahar said. “Seventy-five per cent of what we produce is exported. On average one third of these exports go to key markets including China, Korea […]
Overall agriculture production strong, farm incomes take a dive
The National Farmers’ Federation President Fiona Simson says strong forecast production figures for the sector were juxtaposed by a sharp decline in individual farm incomes. The Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics and Science (ABARES) today forecast 2019-20 agricultural production to be $59 billion, down compared to $62 billion in 2018-19, but still well […]
Regional groups call for passage of Telecommunications Reform Package
Passage of the Telecommunications Reform Package is a key step towards guaranteeing country communities access to reliable communications, according to the Regional, Rural and Remote Communications Coalition (RRRCC). Due before the Senate in March, the Telecommunications Reform Package aims to provide improved access to broadband services across the country with an emphasis on regional, rural […]
Supercharged Fellowship opportunity for aspiring agricultural leaders
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust (The Trust) have joined forces to provide an exciting opportunity for two aspiring agricultural leaders. Applications are now open for the 2020 round of Churchill Fellowships, a unique award that supports people from diverse backgrounds to explore best practice anywhere in the world for […]
NFF Communique on MDB Tour
The National Farmers’ Federation met last week met with farmers and community members across the Murray Darling Basin catchment, from southern Queensland to the mouth of the Murray in South Australia. President Fiona Simson, Chief Executive Officer Tony Mahar and representatives of NFF’s member organisations held in meetings in Goondiwindi, St George, Dirranbandi, Walgett, Menindee, […]
FarmHub introduces drought preparedness resources
From one easy-to-navigate Drought Preparedness e-Guide, farmers can now access over one hundred Farm Risk Management Resources to assist them in preparing for drought. A Commonwealth Government initiative delivered by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), FarmHub is the first national directory of support and assistance measures tailor-made for farmers. The Drought Preparedness e-Guide provides farmers with […]
NFF Code sets the ground rules for farm data
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has today released the first iteration of the Australian Farm Data Code (the Code), in a move designed to help farmers embrace new technologies while maintaining confidence in how their data is used. The landmark Code is the result of collaborative effort led by the NFF, bringing together agricultural technology […]
Farmers win in High Court piece work battle
Horticulture farmers can breathe a sigh of relief following a common-sense ruling in defence of existing piece work provisions. The High Court of Australia today accepted the National Farmers’ Federation arguments in refusing the Fair Work Ombudsman’s special leave application, in which they sought permission to lodge an appeal against the split decision of the […]