National Farmers Federation CEO Tony Mahar will conclude his role in December, after a decade of service to the organisation and agricultural sector
National Farmers Federation CEO Tony Mahar has resigned, with president David Jochinke thanking him for his contributions to the organisation and agricultural sector.
Mahar joined the NFF as general manager of trade and economics in 2013 and became CEO in 2016.
He will now take up the position of Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner – an independent role appointed by the Federal government, reporting to the minister for Climate and Energy.
“During his tenure, Tony has strengthened NFF’s position as the leading national advocacy body for agriculture through his integrity, stakeholder management skills, and dedication to the industry,” Jochinke says.
“His passion, professionalism and approachability earned him respect across industry, government, and corporate partners, and we have greatly appreciated his leadership.”
Jochinke says Mahar’s efforts have resulted in NFF’s growth from a small team to a staff of over 40, with a broader membership base and a consolidated and stable financial position.
His ability to build and maintain relationships across the industry has established NFF as a key stakeholder for both government and industry bodies, NFF adds.
Jochinke praised Mahar’s industry leadership, relationship management, and tireless efforts to represent Australian agriculture both domestically and internationally.
“It is a challenge to lead a national peak body, in this case bringing together all elements of our primary industries, and engaging effectively with supply chains both upstream and downstream, and I commend Tony’s professionalism, credibility, and determination in doing so,” Jochinke says.
Key achievements under Mahar’s leadership include:
- Leading the development of the NFF 2030 Roadmap together with former president Fiona Simson, which set a target of $100 billion farm gate value by 2030, gaining bipartisan support and industry-wide adoption.
- Expanding NFF’s advocacy capacity through increased capacity, funding and growth in partnerships and government programs.
- Working with the NFF team to implement initiatives such as the Regional Tech Hub, AgCAREERSTART, and the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework, addressing industry challenges.
- Significantly broadening NFF’s membership to include all state farming groups, establishing the NFF Horticulture Council and integrating the forestry and seafood sectors, as well as farmer representative groups like Farmers for Climate Action and Queensland Farmers Federation into NFF.
The NFF board will begin the process of recruiting a new CEO immediately, with Mahar formally concluding his role in December.