Bipartisan backing for farm safety a lifesaving move
TThe National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed bipartisan support for a $2.5 million commitment to save lives on farms following a horror year of fatalities. The latest AgHealth Australia data shows a concerning spike in 2024: 72 deaths and 133 people seriously injured – more than double the previous year. NFF President David Jochinke said […]
Agriculture workforce options under attack
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has issued a stark warning that mounting red tape and increasingly complex labour laws are choking access to the workers agriculture desperately needs, placing Australia’s food security, farm viability, and regional economies at serious risk. NFF President David Jochinke said that workforce access is shaping up to be one of […]
Farmers call for serious investment in roads, housing and digital infrastructure this election
Potholed roads, inefficient supply chains and growing pressure on regional housing and services remain top concerns for farmers and regional communities heading into the federal election. National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke acknowledged that while major parties and some independents had made funding commitments for supply chain infrastructure, too many crumbling regional roads remain ignored. […]
Dozens of gappies start on-farm careers this month
The National Farmers’ Federation’s flagship gap-year program AgCAREERSTART has begun for another year, with dozens of young people kicking off their agricultural careers this week. AgCAREERSTART connects farmers with 17-25 year olds who are looking to work on Australian farms. Participants are provided a job, dedicated pastoral support, training and development grants, and […]
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 […]
NFF priorities for an incoming Federal Government
By NFF President, David ‘DJ’ Jochinke The impending Federal Election will be a defining moment for Australian agriculture. The possibility of a minority government; global trade uncertainty with Donald Trump at the helm of the US; and the climate targets that are racing towards us, could all have an impact on our sector this year. […]
Statement on ABARES horticulture labour analysis
Attributable to NFF Horticulture Council Executive Officer Richard Shannon The NFF Horticulture Council has welcomed recent work by ABARES that provides a better view of the workforce challenges in horticulture. Bright spots include findings that fewer businesses are struggling to find workers and that employment numbers overall are up. The findings do need to be […]
Farmers’ Federal Budget priorities show ag can help drive national productivity
The National Farmers’ Federation has delivered 20 targeted investments in its 2025-26 Pre-Budget Submission to drive productivity growth, not only in the agricultural sector, but for the Australian economy. NFF President David Jochinke said the Australian economy continued to navigate complex challenges from slowing productivity growth to ongoing cost-of-living pressures, while shifting global dynamics add […]
JSA Food Supply Chain Capacity Study
The NFF is engaging with Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) on its Food Supply Chain Workforce Capacity Study, having submitted feedback in May 2024. This study will examine various aspects of the sector’s workforce needs, including proposed reforms to the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program. Our submission addresses eight key topics: a shared vision for […]
Farmers futureproofing ag sector with next generation
From outback cattle stations in Far North Queensland to mixed enterprises in Victoria, the past three years has seen the AgCAREERSTART program open farm gates to over 180 young people across the country, cultivating the next generation of passionate, agricultural workers. This comes as Australian farms struggle with crippling labour shortages. In recent years the […]