Littleproud to provide the continuity agriculture needs in tough times
National Farmers’ Federation President Fiona Simson has congratulated David Littleproud on his appointment as Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management. “Having held the agriculture portfolio before and most recently the responsibilities of water, drought, rural finance, natural disaster and emergency management, Minister Littleproud knows the farm sector’s issues better than most,” Ms Simson said. […]
Interest rate cut welcomed by farmers during tough times
Lower interest rates on Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) loans is welcomed good news for farmers, NFF Chief Executive Officer Tony Mahar said. “Farmers across the country continue to be severely challenged by the unprecedented drought conditions. “Access to low interest loans allows farmers to maintain valuable breeding stock and to remain in business while the […]
Submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Economics ‘Banking Amendment (Rural Finance Reform) Bill 2019
The NFF supports the Bill, which would result in fairer lending practices for small farm businesses if it was legislated. DOWNLOAD PDF FILE
Drought
The NFF’s National Drought Policy prioritises objectives and outcomes that enhance long-term preparedness, sustainability, resilience and risk management for farming businesses and farming communities in Australia in order to minimise the impact of drought. It recognises the essential role of farming businesses as the nation’s food and fibre producers, important export revenue earners and stewards […]
Rural Debt and Access to Finance
Ensuring access to finance to support small businesses, including farm businesses, is of vital importance to the agricultural sector and rural communities, ensuring these businesses can continue to grow their contribution to employment and the economy. At the same time, rural debt levels have increased significantly in the last decade – rising by over 85 […]
Research and Development
The NFF is of the view that relevant agricultural Research& Development (R&D) underpins innovation to produce better quality and more competitively priced food and fibre. The NFF fully supports the current model for rural R&D, co-funded through government contributions and agricultural industry levies. Our Vision To spur innovation in agriculture, the NFF supports the following […]
Submission to the Productivity Commission Draft Report ‘National Transport Regulatory Reform’
The NFF is largely supportive of the recommendations of the draft report, which would improve the safety and productivity of road freight in Australia. DOWNLOAD PDF FILE
BoM confirms dire year for Australian agriculture
A report published by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) today has confirmed the lived experience of many farmers – that 2019 was the driest and hottest year on record for Australia. The report comes as Australian farmers continue to manage a record-breaking drought, and battle bushfires which have devastated hundreds of farms. National Farmers’ Federation […]
Immediate help available for farmers affected by bushfire
Today, farmers across southern Australia are continuing to prepare for two days of extreme bushfire danger – ensuring family members, livestock and communities are safe.“The current bushfire situation is unprecedented and our thoughts are with rural Australians during what will be a very dangerous period,” National Farmers’ Federation President Fiona Simson said.Ms Simson said many […]
Submission on the ‘Future Drought Fund: Drought Resilience Funding Plan 2020-24’
The NFF recommends that the Plan explicitly mentions the need for coherence and consistency with a national drought policy or plan, includes monitoring and evaluation of the initiatives that are funded under the Plan, and that the program designs are made available for public comment before they are used to guide allocations. DOWNLOAD PDF FILE