National farmer survey reveals angst over government agenda
Market fairness, environment laws and the state of rural roads have topped the list of concerns in the first National Farmer Priorities Survey conducted by the National Farmers’ Federation in partnership with Seftons. The survey of more than 1,600 farmers also confirmed falling confidence within the sector, and revealed reservations about the approach of the […]
Australia’s sustainability livestock story shared on the global stage
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has this week closely watched the developments at the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock, where Australia’s sustainability message was highlighted. The NFF acknowledges the FAO for supporting global dialogue on the future of the livestock sector that is grounded in science and evidence-based discussion. This […]
Farmers losing confidence as government risks Middle Eastern gaffe
In a letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, farming groups have expressed frustration and warned of irreversible harm to the agricultural sector and to Australia’s trade and diplomatic partnerships in the Middle East. Calling on the Prime Minister and Minister Watt to reverse its policy on the phase out of live sheep by sea, the […]
NFF submission to AEMC on draft rule on community engagement
The management of Australia’s transition to renewable energy has significant implications for Australian agriculture. The NFF seeks to ensure that transmission projects are placed in the landscape with proper, timely consultation, appropriate compensation or commercial consent and do not adversely impact existing land use. Read the full submission here.
Burke’s IR reforms a ticket to productivity paralysis
The National Farmers’ Federation is calling for a rethink of the latest industrial relations reforms to shift the focus from pleasing the unions to lifting productivity. NFF Vice President David Jochinke said the package announced today was a recipe for cost and confusion that would only benefit power hungry unions. “This isn’t about serving the […]
The consultation on the new National Drought Agreement
The NFF and the Australian Government are strongly aligned in the goal to ensure that farmers and regional communities across the country are efficiently and effectively supported before, during and after drought events to minimise triple bottom line impacts. The drought policy space is increasingly complex. It is excellent to see the new agreement clarify […]
Competition review welcome but must deliver outcomes
Farmers across Australia have welcomed today’s announcement of a Competition Taskforce to review Australia’s competition policy settings. Farmers have long identified concentrated markets and supply chains as a handbrake to the economy with small businesses and consumers feeling the impact. “Australia has a competition problem – there’s not enough of it,” said NFF President Fiona […]
Domestic markets must deliver better outcomes for both consumers and growers
The National Farmers’ Federation Horticulture Council has today joined with the NFF and other agriculture industry bodies in welcoming the announcement by Treasurer Jim Chalmers of a competition policy review. The review will look at competition laws, policies and institutions to ensure they remain fit for purpose, with a focus on reforms that would increase productivity, […]
Future drought funding welcome, but don’t lose sight of the next drought
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Agriculture Minister Murray Watt of $38 million from the Future Drought Fund to boost the farm sector’s resilience to climate change and dry conditions. However, NFF Vice President David Jochinke noted the funding would primarily be directed into research and […]
Productivity Commission on Interim report on the Future Drought Fund
The value of the FDF to Australian farmers and regional communities is immense. It remains a top priority for the NFF to continue to work with the Australian Government to ensure the FDF achieves its objective to build drought resilience in Australia’s agricultural sector, the agricultural landscape, and communities. Read the full submission here.