Farmer frustration builds over connectivity gaps
The National Farmers’ Federation welcomes the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee (RTIRC) 2024 report and is calling for urgent action to address connectivity gaps at a time when frustrations at a high. NFF President David Jochinke said: “Frustration over rural connectivity is at boiling point, and the four-fold increase in engagement in the 2024 review […]
Farmers contribute to low emissions agriculture plan
The National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed the opportunity today to hear more about, and provide contributions to, the plan that will help shape agriculture’s contribution in Australia’s journey to net zero by 2050. NFF Chief Executive Officer Tony Mahar attended today’s roundtable, hosted by the Minister for Agriculture, Julie Collins, to discuss the Agriculture and […]
NFF backs new report: Australian food system at tipping point
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed a new report that places farmers at the centre of a re-invented food system. The Australian Food and Agriculture Taskforce has today handed down a report that warns the nation’s food system is at a tipping point. NFF Chief Executive Officer Tony Mahar, who participated in the Taskforce, […]
New report estimates Indigenous agriculture generates $1.4 billion
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed a new report detailing the economic potential of Indigenous agricultural products. The study also examined the value of a credential system that would enable Indigenous-made agricultural products to be labelled and differentiated in market. NFF President David Jochinke said it was important to have figures to support the labelling […]
Farm sector applauds agricultural Right to Repair recognition from nation’s Treasurers
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has strongly welcomed the announcement by the Board of Treasurers that Right to Repair for agricultural machinery is a key element of national competition policy reforms. On Friday afternoon, Federal, State and Territory Treasurers agreed to sign the 10-year Intergovernmental Agreement on National Competition Policy. Their post-meeting media release specifically […]
Farmers welcome halting of Super Tax, Government competition and supermarket reforms
Australian farmers are breathing a sigh of relief the Treasury Laws Amendment (Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions and Other Measures) Bill 2023 – also know as the Super Tax –didn’t pass the Senate in the last sitting week of the year. The National Farmers’ Federation similarly welcomed the passage of mergers reform and the updated Food […]
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 […]
Coles admit fresh produce suppliers have no certainty
Testimony provided today by Coles senior executives, at hearings as part of the ACCC Supermarket Inquiry, have revealed how hollow supermarket commitments on price and volume are for fresh produce suppliers. It was revealed that purchase orders, issued after a weekly negotiation process, were also subject to further negotiation at the behest of the supermarket […]
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 […]
Coles and Woolworths face heat at ACCC hearings
Coles and Woolworths have been subpoenaed to provide evidence at this week’s ACCC hearings as part of their inquiry into supermarket practices. The NFF Horticulture Council is urging the ACCC to focus closely on these supermarkets’ actual buying practices and procedures. “We have long maintained that these buying practices are exploitative and take advantage of […]