Australia’s peak farming body – the National Farmer’s Federation (NFF) is set to host its second Blueprint for Australian Agricultural forum in Canberra this week.
The forum will bring together 130 key industry leaders and decision makers to progress the Blueprint, making key decisions for the future of the agricultural sector and its supply chain.
The decision comes following Monday’s announcement by the Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce of the terms of reference for the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper – a central election commitment of the Coalition Government.
NFF CEO Matt Linnegar welcomed the Minister’s announcement.
“Minister Joyce has confirmed that the Federal Government’s White Paper will build on the Blueprint for Australian Agriculture – cementing its importance as a key visioning document and strategic plan for the sector,” he says.
Linnegar says competitiveness of the sector will be one of the key items on the upcoming forum’s agenda.
“And this competitiveness means a focus on both farmer profitability and the farm and wider sector’s productivity – as we must ensure that our farmers are not only producing more food and fibre to meet growing world demand, but are doing so in a way that makes them, and the wider sector, more profitable and sustainable,” he says.
The initial blueprint was launched on February 14 this year after months of research and input from the agricultural sector.
Linnegar says it is pleasing to see Government prioritise agriculture in its policy focus but real action is needed for the sector to move ahead.
“Farmers understandably want to see real, tangible action that contributes to a strong and sustainable future: exactly what we’re delivering through the Blueprint, but also what must be delivered by the Government through their White Paper,” he adds.
The second NFF Blueprint for Australian Agriculture forum will take place in Canberra on Thursday December 12.
NFF has also expressed it will be making a formal submission to the White Paper process.