Prime Minister launches national conversation on agriculture’s vision for the future

In Sydney today, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull launched a new initiative by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) which aims to spark a conversation about Australia’s farming future. The Talking 2030 Discussion Paper, supported by Telstra and prepared by KPMG, identifies bold ideas needed to propel the farm sector to its goal of $100 billion in farm gate output by 2030. The Discussion Paper was launched at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. NFF President Fiona Simson said Talking 2030 would form the foundation of a national dialogue on how agriculture can reach its potential. “Talking 2030 will consolidate leading thinking from a range of experts on the future of agriculture and specific ideas to unlock our industry’s $100 billion potential. “Whether it’s attracting people and capital, harnessing new technology, unlocking global markets, or lightening our environmental footprint – our industry needs to constantly seek out and champion the best new ideas. That’s what Talking 2030 is all about,” Ms Simson said. The NFF and Telstra will now hit the road on a 13-stop regional ‘Talking 2030’ tour, where some of farming’s best and brightest will dissect the report and pitch their ideas for the future. This feedback will inform the development of a final report, which will drive the NFF’s policy and advocacy agenda for the coming decade as we focus on meeting our 2030 target. “It is wonderful to have the Prime Minister’s support for what is an essential partnership to guide Australian agriculture into the next decade,” Ms Simson said. Talking 2030, is part of a new strategic partnership between the NFF and Telstra, designed to boost Australia agriculture’s leadership and technical capacity and overall prosperity. Ms Simson said Telstra had been a part of rural and regional Australia since telecommunications began, making it a fitting partner for the NFF. “Telstra, in its different guises, has been with farmers since the first dial tone was heard outside the city. “Telstra understands the bush, they are invested in our regional communities, our businesses and our people.” Telstra Chief Executive Officer Andrew Penn said the NFF’s long history as a champion for regional Australia makes it a logical partner for Telstra. “Digital connectivity is a central part of the modern farm business, and we are extremely proud to be working with the NFF to support the development of strong and prosperous regions, and a thriving Australian agriculture sector,” Mr Penn said. “Over the past three financial years, we have invested $2.2 billion in our regional mobile network, connecting farms, shops, doctors, schools and businesses, so more Australians can experience a connected world that supports their way of life. “This commitment is not just about our investment in the mobile network, we are also supporting the development of innovative technologies that will help address some of the challenges Australian farmers face.” The Talking 2030 Report and the dates and locations of the Talking 2030 national ‘listening’ tour are available here https://www.talking2030.com/