Only one in 10 farmers believe the Federal Government has a positive plan for the farming sector, a drop of nearly 38% from 2023, according to survey results released on Wednesday.
The second National Farmer Priorities Survey, by the National Farmers’ Federation in partnership with Seftons, analysed responses from 1,026 farmers and found heightened levels of concern across a range of issues compared to last year, up by an average of 8% across all metrics.
Biosecurity topped the list of concerns with 94% of farmers voicing concerns. The market power of supermarkets and processors fell to a close second place at 93.9%. Federal environment laws ranked third at 92.5%, both up more than 10% on 2023.
The largest swings in concern levels, compared with 2023, were seen towards biosecurity (up 12.7%) and live sheep exports (up 12.2%).
NFF President, David Jochinke, said the results were unsurprising.
“Critical issues like the live sheep export ban, biosecurity tax and water buybacks have weighed heavily on farmers.
“Particularly telling are the results around the live sheep exports. Despite only 10% of respondents hailing from WA, it rated as one of the highest areas of concern.
“This clearly demonstrates when bad policy infiltrates one sector, it puts every other sector on notice that they could be next.”
However, he said despite a growing list of challenges keeping farmers up at night, it was positive to see an uptick in farmers being proud of what they do and where they live.
The survey found 89% agree with the statement “I love what I do” and 78% say their community is a “great place to live” – with those measures rising by 18% and 10% respectively.
Mr Jochinke also pointed to the refreshed ag ministerial team and the opportunities ahead.
“Yes, farmers are frustrated. They feel they aren’t being heard and they are being steamrolled by harmful policies – that appear to be driven by activist groups or politicians, not farmers. But this can be the low water mark, as farmers are ready and willing to work with Government to turn this around.”
In response to the survey results Minister Collins told APlus News that the Government was committed to supporting the agriculture sector reach its ambitious goal of becoming a $100 billion industry by 2030.
“We have been working hard and have made significant gains for agriculture in the areas of workforce, trade and sustainable biosecurity funding,” she said.
“As a representative of so many incredible farmers in my own electorate, I am committed to engaging and listening to and representing Australia’s farmers in the Albanese Labor Government.
“I will continue talking to farmers and producers across the country. Australia produces a huge amount of food and fibre.
“We’re world-renowned for it, and I want to make sure we continue to do that and we continue to grow our exports.”