Farmers urged to update biosecurity plans as bird flu spreads locally
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has urged farmers to urgently review their biosecurity plans, as the H5N1 strain of avian influenza spreads. Testing has today confirmed the influenza strain has spread between wild birds on Australian soil for the first time since the disease’s detection last month. NFF CEO Mike Guerin said the news is […]
Shaping regulation of agricultural emission inhibitor products
The NFF, as per its Agricultural Chemicals and Veterinary Medicines Policy, seeks an efficient, science- and risk-based regulatory environment that delivers world-leading access to technology – including agricultural emission inhibitor products. The current regulatory approach fails to deliver assurance to producers, the supply chain, consumers and the community at large that such products are safe […]
National Biosecurity Reforms
The NFF strongly supports the National Biosecurity Strategy (NBS) as a framework to align priorities and actions to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity system. The proposed reform agenda presents a range of initiatives that, if delivered fully and effectively, may result in meaningful improvements to Australia’s biosecurity system. However, additional reforms should also be considered. The NFF’s […]
Declaring second generation anticoagulant rodenticides as restricted chemical products
The NFF does not support the APVMA proposal to declare second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) as Restricted Chemical Products (RCPs) unless continuing access to SGARs for primary producers is guaranteed. SGARs (products containing brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, difethialone and flocoumafen) play a valuable role in effective rodent control across a wide range of agricultural industries and […]
Statement on paraquat decision
The National Farmers’ Federation acknowledges the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority’s (APVMA) final decision following its review of paraquat and diquat. The decision will mean products remain approved for use, but with lower application rates and more controls. The NFF will now take the time to carefully consider the detail of the decision and […]
Vigilance critical following H5 bird flu detection
The National Farmers’ Federation is working closely with the Federal Government and members following the confirmation of H5 avian influenza in two wild seabirds on Western Australia’s southern coast. NFF President Hamish McIntyre said the detection in a brown skua and a giant petrel was serious but manageable, with Australia well prepared. “Australia has successfully […]
Statement on paraquat use in agriculture
Comments attributable to NFF President Hamish McIntyre: Farmers take their responsibility to protect people and the environment seriously. This is not just a principle, it’s fundamental to running a viable farm business. Without healthy people and a healthy environment, there is no food and fibre production. We acknowledge the recent reports in the media about […]
Farmers warn regional fuel squeeze could quickly become a food and animal welfare issue, government action needed
The National Farmers’ Federation says reports from its members across Australia show farmers and fishers in regional communities are increasingly struggling to secure fuel, putting food security and animal welfare at risk. NFF President Hamish McIntyre said that increases in demand had put pressure on fuel retailers in regional areas. “While overall national liquid fuel […]
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 […]
Farm Chemicals
The responsible use, monitoring and storage of farm chemicals is of paramount importance to Australia’s farmers, and must be consistently applied across state borders in line with community expectations about safety and sound environmental management. The NFF represents one of the largest groups of legitimate chemical users in Australia. The NFF proposes and supports policies, […]