Migration changes fail the housing availability and food affordability tests
The NFF Horticulture Council has warned that today’s migration announcement does nothing to explain how changes affecting Working Holiday Makers serve the Government’s stated objective of easing housing pressure, while leaving regional employers exposed to unknown workforce risk. Executive Officer Richard Shannon said the Government had framed its migration package as necessary to help the […]
A harvest workforce deserves a plan, not a pause
The NFF Horticulture Council today urged the Australian Government to immediately restore normal processing of Working Holiday Maker visa applications, and to set out plainly what it intends for Australia’s seasonal horticulture workforce. On the Department of Home Affairs’ own published advice, the largest part of the program — new applications made from offshore — […]
Food security at risk if migration debate ignores agriculture
Statement attributable to NFF Horticulture Council Executive Officer, Richard Shannon Australia cannot keep growing its population and make cuts to the workforce that feeds it. Australia’s peak body representing horticulture is warning that proposals to reduce migration numbers must recognise the critical role temporary migrant workers play in maintaining Australia’s food security and keeping fresh […]
Food fraud highlights the unfair fight for retail shelf space
The NFF Horticulture Council says revelations expected in tonight’s Four Corners investigation into food fraud should prompt a broader conversation about whether imported food products are being held to the same standards as Australian-grown produce. Four Corners’ two-part investigation, Duped: Food Exposed, is expected to examine food authenticity, misleading origin claims, undeclared ingredients and the […]
Paul Burke appointed Independent Chair of NFF Horticulture Council
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Horticulture Council has appointed Paul Burke as its new independent Chair, bringing extensive experience in agricultural industry representation, governance and advocacy to the role. Mr Burke’s appointment follows a rigorous, merit-based recruitment process undertaken by the Council over recent months. He succeeds Jolyon Burnett, who has chaired the Council since […]
Horticulture calls on supermarkets to accept price increases to protect food supply
The NFF Horticulture Council has today written an open letter to Australia’s major supermarket chains urging them to respond promptly and constructively to price increase requests from fresh produce suppliers, as fuel and freight costs continue to escalate. Fuel prices, fuel levies and transport surcharges are rising rapidly and, in some cases, changing daily. For […]
NFF Horticulture Council welcomes review of Code of Conduct
The National Farmers’ Federation Horticulture Council has welcomed today’s announcement by the Australian Government of an independent review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct. NFF Horticulture Council Chair Jolyon Burnett said the review is a timely opportunity to strengthen fairness and transparency in Australia’s rapidly expanding horticulture sector. “Growers rely on the Horticulture Code to […]
Supermarkets a danger to fresh produce viability
The final report of the Supermarket Inquiry from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) warns Coles’ and Woolworths’ exercise of market power and preservation of their information advantage over fresh produce suppliers will have significant long-term consequences for the efficiency and sustainability of Australia’s fresh produce sector. In response, the ACCC reserves over half […]
To feast or famine: a question for the next Federal Government
The NFF Horticulture Council has today launched its election platform, challenging the next Federal Government on its role in securing the nation’s food supply as rising prices strain household budgets. Entitled Feast or famine, the platform identifies a series of major challenges facing the national fruit, vegetable, nut, nursery and turf industries and in response […]
Have Yourself a Fair Affordable Christmas
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Horticulture Council is encouraging Australians to make thoughtful shopping choices this festive season to save money, eat well, and support Aussie farmers. With just three simple changes, holiday shoppers can create a delicious and thrifty Christmas spread while backing Australian agriculture. Three Easy Ways to Shop Smarter This Christmas 1. […]