NFF reveals election wishlist

The National Farmers Federation (NFF) has revealed its election platform, ahead of the Federal Election that could be called any day now.

Top of the wishlist is finally bringing a National Food Security Preparedness Strategy to reality.  

NFF President David Jochinke spoke with APlus News on the sideline of evokeAG in Brisbane last week about the impending election and what the national peak farming organisation would be campaigning for.

"We need a food security strategy to make sure we have resilience, especially around inputs and our supply chains, so we can not only produce food but also export them with minimal interruption from global events," Mr Jochinke told APlus News.

"This is a recommendation that has been kicking around for a little while, we're putting our shoulder to the wheel on this because it then does have knock on effects to energy, supply chain and workforce, some of the key issues the NFF and our family have been working on."

Further details were released on Monday, when Mr Jochinke said: “We’re lucky to have a strong food system, but we’re not bulletproof. As the world becomes more volatile we need to respond in a coordinated way.

“One in three Australian families now face moderate to severe food insecurity – a challenge that will only deepen without decisive action.

“A National Food Strategy would help us understand the vulnerabilities in our supply chains, and take action to ensure a food secure future for Australian families.

“This is not a new idea. It’s been recommended time and again, and when I speak to people they can’t believe it doesn’t already exist. We can’t afford to continue ignoring it."

All parties and candidates will be called on to assist the agriculture industry navigate major global megatrends already impacting family farms, including:

• Skyrocketing production costs and red tape placing pressure on food prices and farm bottom lines.

• A protectionist and uncertain global trading environment.

• A changing climate and associated regulatory demands.

• The energy transition - placing pressure on prices and land resources.

• Internal migration to the regions - stretching housing, infrastructure, and services to their limits.  

• Unmet workforce needs - placing a handbrake on productivity.

"We’ve laid it out for our politicians: supporting farmers helps keep food and fibre affordable for all Australians," Mr Jochinke said.

“Australian agriculture has the potential to be a $100 billion industry by 2030, but we need smart federal policies and strategic investment to get there.

“We implore every candidate, campaigner and political party to engage with agriculture’s challenges, impact, and potential, this election."