NFF members lead advocacy reform process
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has reached an important stage of its member-led reform process, with the release of a “once in a generation” discussion paper at today’s Members’ Council. The paper will guide the next phase of consultations to modernise the Federation’s governance, membership structure, and policy advocacy model. NFF President David Jochinke said […]
Farmers ready to work with re-elected Labor Government
The National Farmers’ Federation congratulates Anthony Albanese and the ALP on their re-election. NFF President David Jochinke said the agricultural sector stands ready to work constructively with the Government. “We look forward to continuing our engagement with Prime Minister Albanese and the Ministry team on the issues that matter to farmers and the rural communities […]
NFF federal election scorecard puts parties under the microscope
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has today released its 2025 Federal Election Scorecard, revealing how the major parties stack up when it comes to agriculture and regional Australia. NFF President David Jochinke said farmers – and all Australians who care about where their food and fibre comes from – would head to the ballot box […]
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 […]