With three regional Independent MPs thrust into the role of deciding the next federal government, agricultural policies will be forefront in the minds of all political parties. Whichever way the cards fall over the days and weeks ahead, farming issues and policies will be under intense scrutiny. The timing couldn’t be more critical for all political parties to reinforce their vision for Australia’s farm sector, with the National Farmers’ Federation’s (NFF) 2010 National Congress... ...Read more »

As the nation readies itself to hit the polling booths this weekend, the Queensland Farmers’ Federation has developed its final analysis of rural policies announced during the campaign. QFF CEO Dan Galligan said all political parties had made agricultural policy announcements over the last five weeks, but not one of them stood out as delivering the full suite of policies that would see agriculture grow profitably and sustainably. “On climate change, the Coalition has proposed a direct... ...Read more »

The Heart Foundation and National Stroke Foundation today expressed disappointment that neither major political party has offered a national action plan addressing Australia’s leading cause of death – cardiovascular disease. The two Foundations called on major parties to commit themselves to a comprehensive national action plan for this largely preventable disease, saying funds invested would reduce costs, save lives and ease the strain on hospitals. It would also reduce the incidence... ...Read more »

“There will be no new investments or priorities for Australia’s $137 billion-a-year farm sector under a Gillard Government,” is National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President David Crombie’s assessment of the Government’s Agricultural Policy released today. “Today’s media release from Agriculture Minister Tony Burke is not so much a policy as a summary statement with a rehash of announcements we’ve already seen in this election campaign. It is... ...Read more »

Gene Ethics’ election survey found both major parties are very aware of deep community concerns over Genetically Manipulated Organisms (GMOs) on farms and in food. But unlike the Greens, neither the ALP nor the Coalition would commit to strengthen the law or regulatory systems. “This complacency over GM threats means the Greens’ clear support for GM-free futures and precaution on GM food and crops will be crucial if they hold the balance of power in the next parliament,” says... ...Read more »

Federal minister for Agriculture Tony Burke today announced that an elected Labor government would introduce a National Food Plan, to examine food security, food quality, the affordability of food and the sustainability of food in Australia. The initiative would not require new funding, but instead come out of the Regional Food Producers Innovation and Productivity Program budget. “This is a first for Australia and will integrate all aspects of food policy by looking at the whole food chain, from... ...Read more »

Whoever wins the federal election on August 21, the National Farmers’ Federation’s (NFF’s) 2010 National Congress in Melbourne over 6-7 September will place attendees ringside as political heavyweights slug it out over agriculture and the major issues affecting the farm sector.Policies directly impacting Australia’s farmers will be centre stage at the NFF’s second annual National Congress as federal ministers and opposition parties square off in two headline debates. “Their... ...Read more »

Neither major political party has a policy on something that affects every Australian, every day – food and groceries, the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) said today.Highlighting that Australia’s $100 billion food and grocery industry is four times larger than the automotive sector and employs 315,000 people including more than 150,000 in regional Australia, AFGC Chief Executive Kate Carnell said there’s been no focus on this vital industry during the 2010 election campaign. “It’s... ...Read more »

Australia’s emissions reduction policy must maintain the competitiveness of Australian export and import-competing industries – such as food and grocery – without exposing them to costs their competitors don’t face, the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) said on Friday.Responding to Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s announcement on climate change, AFGC agreed with a national consultative approach to emissions reduction that does not give any country an unfair competitive... ...Read more »

The Gillard Government will be funding $33,000 to Standards Australia to support the Australia Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Products “The OFA initiated the Australia Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Products to ensure credibility of organic products.” Andre Leu, Chair of the Organic Federation of Australia says. “We are very pleased that the Gillard Government has agreed to fund the ongoing maintenance of this standard”. “As the peak industry body for the Australian... ...Read more »