NFF calls for 20 targeted investment in next Federal budget

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THE Nationwide Farmers’ Federation has referred to as for 20 focused investments in its 2025-26 Pre-Funds Submission to drive productiveness development, not solely within the agricultural sector, however for the Australian economic system.

NFF President David Jochinke mentioned the Australian economic system continued to navigate complicated challenges from slowing productiveness development to ongoing cost-of-living pressures, whereas shifting international dynamics add additional issues.

“Households are grappling with rising prices, tight budgets and rising uncertainties. Australian farmers additionally share these burdens as productiveness development lags, enter costs fluctuate, and market volatility squeezes margins,” Mr Jochinke mentioned.

“But we stay steadfastly optimistic about agriculture’s function in serving to Australia deal with these challenges. With the fitting coverage and funding settings, agriculture can assist Australia overcome its challenges.

“Whereas robust financial insurance policies are important to our sector’s development, the individuals driving agriculture are on the coronary heart of every thing we obtain. It’s why we’ve included an ask to spice up farmer wellbeing following from the Nationwide Discussion board on Psychological Well being and Wellbeing in Agriculture the NFF hosted in March.”

Key priorities embrace:

$1 billion for bettering freight provide chains, together with roads and rail.
Australia’s potential to compete in international markets relies on environment friendly and dependable transportation networks. Delays or inefficiencies in provide chains can lead to elevated prices and a lack of market share. This resilience is extra vital than ever, with an growing prevalence of pure disasters and different disruptions because of local weather change.
$175 million for a farmworker lodging funding package deal of incentives.
Investing in farmworker lodging helps the sector’s potential to draw and retain a talented workforce, enhances productiveness and security, improves business popularity, and contributes to the general financial stability and development of rural and regional communities.
$150 million for climate-related analysis and growth. This funding would help the event of strong baseline info, drive innovation in farming practices and applied sciences, construct resilience in opposition to local weather impacts, enhance greenhouse gasoline accounting throughout the sector, and help within the communication, adoption, and extension of those developments.
$36 million to increase the On Farm Connectivity Program to develop digital uptake. This profitable program has helped speed up the uptake of digital applied sciences to advertise a extra productive, secure, and sustainable agricultural business.
$25 million for a nationwide, agricultural business led method to develop farmers’ wellbeing and forestall suicides.
Farmers die of suicide at twice the speed of different working Australians. This equates to 1 farmer taking their very own life each 10 days. Funding would help farmer-focused psychological well being schooling campaigns and an accessible farmer-friendly helpline.

With an election on the horizon, the NFF is asking for collaboration between business and leaders throughout the political spectrum to harness agriculture’s potential in tackling Australia’s financial and environmental challenges.

“Simply check out agriculture’s observe file. We launched our 2030 Roadmap for the sector to succeed in $100 billion in farm gate output by 2030.

“Within the 5 years earlier than we launched the Roadmap the typical annual output of the sector was $55 billion. For the 5 years after the report as launched, it’s forecast to common $80 billion.

“The expansion of the sector is contributing to Australia’s productiveness, competitiveness. We’ve created jobs and locked in a constructive future for the nation’s youngsters and grandchildren.

“It’s abundantly clear; strategic coverage and focused funding in Australian agriculture delivers advantages to all Australians, irrespective of the place they reside or what they do.