Triple Zero Legislative and Regulatory Review

The NFF strongly supports robust regulation to protect the integrity and accessibility of Australia’s Triple Zero system. Accessing Triple Zero is crucial for the wellbeing of farmers and regional communities who face existing connectivity challenges. Triple Zero regulation should support equitable, reliable access to Triple Zero, backed by clear performance standards, and should have enough […]

NFF welcomes investment in national traceability coordination

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the Australian Government’s investment in strengthening Australia’s agricultural traceability systems through a new industry-led national traceability governance mechanism. The Australian Government has provided the NFF funding to establish the successor to the Australian Agricultural Traceability Governance Group (AATGG), supporting nationally coordinated implementation of the National Agricultural Traceability Strategy. […]

Help needed as regional Aussies navigate new mobile tech

Fast Facts on the Regional Tech Hub (2025) The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has dubbed the Regional Tech Hub an essential service ahead of major changes to telecommunications in the bush. The incoming Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) will require mobile carriers to make outdoor mobile phone coverage available across the country. The policy means […]

Productivity Commission’s Harnessing Data and Digital Technology Inquiry

Australian farmers rely on digital technologies and farm data to drive productivity, manage risk, demonstrate sustainability, and respond to evolving market expectations. The NFF urges the Productivity Commission to consider a combination of regulatory reform and practical support in order to establish a coordinated, farmer-first data access environment in Australia. The NFF’s full submission can […]

Universal mobile obligation must deliver for rural Australia

The Federal Government has released draft legislation for the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO), alongside its long-awaited response to the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review. National Farmers’ Federation Telecommunications Committee Chair Peter Thompson said connectivity is essential to the productivity, sustainability and liveability of Australia’s farms and rural communities. “Australian agriculture is constantly chasing productivity gains. […]

Food supply chain workforce report a fizzer on much needed data

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has received the final report from Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) into the future of our food supply chain workforce.   NFF President David Jochinke said the report had failed to provide the workforce data needed to underpin policy and business decisions – which was the problem the Government had […]

Farmers urged to seek help on 3G shutdown impacts

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has urged farmers experiencing mobile connectivity issues in the wake of the 3G network shutdown to reach out to providers for help.   The 3G network was progressively turned off across Australia from October 28.   NFF Telecommunications Committee Chair Peter Thompson urged farmers to be vocal about issues they’ve encountered since […]

Woolworths admits to shortcomings in providing suppliers accurate forecasts

In testimony provided today at hearings as part of the ACCC Supermarket Inquiry, current and former senior managers at Woolworths have admitted to shortcomings in the accuracy of forecasted volumes it has provided to fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers.   Current Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell agreed with ACCC senior counsel that data collected at the […]

First traceability strategy gets the tick from agriculture

Comments attributable to NFF Chief Executive, Tony Mahar The NFF welcomes the inaugural National Agricultural Traceability Strategy 2023 to 2033. The strategy underscores the farm sector’s ambitious goal to be a $100 billion industry by 2030. Australian farmers are already global leaders in producing safe, quality and sustainable food and fibre. However, mounting global demand […]

Farmers urged to consider their data security

The National Farmers’ Federation has warned the farm sector will be exposed to disruption unless farmers take an active interest in how their data is managed and secured.  Speaking from the FutureAG conference in Melbourne today, NFF Data Policy Manager Gabi Ceregra said the increasing digitisation of Australian farms brought enormous benefits, but also risks […]