The National Farmers Federation has revealed its pre-budget wish list, highlighting 20 areas of long-term investment
New National Farmers Federation president Hamish McIntyre says its pre-budget submission is focused on long-term needs rather than immediate sugar hits.
The NFF has put forward 20 priorities to help the agricultural industry achieve its stated goal of $100 billion in farm gate output by 2030.
“Australian farmers are operating in a world of rising costs and red tape, uncertain markets and extreme weather events,” McIntyre says.
“Yet, they’re still delivering close to $100 billion in production. But throw in a supply chain disruption or market shock and we’ll go backwards quickly.
“That’s why this submission is grounded in the NFF’s 2030 roadmap.
“It’s about long-term investment, not short-term sugar hits. Get the policy right and farmers will do the rest.”
The NFF’s wish list covers 20 areas across supply chains, sustainability, workforce, innovation and tax settings, which are designed to be funded across multiple years.
The biggest request is for $4 billion over four years to reinstate the Roads of Strategic Importance program, which the NFF says will improve freight routes holding back productivity and safety.
Other billion-dollar requests include $2 billion over four years to support implementation of Nature Repair Methodologies to reduce predation by invasive species, along with the same amount to support complementary measures in the Murray-Darling Basin.
NFF also seeks $2.2 billion over five years of reduced tax receipts to extend and increase the instant asset write-off to $150,000 and until June 30, 2027.
The wish list also calls for $100 million to support market access and boost diversification and productivity, along with $50 million to implement the National Biosecurity Strategy and Action Plan.
A further $50 million to provide a national, industry-led approach to improve farmers’ wellbeing and prevent suicides is also sought, as is $20 million to develop Australian Carbon Credit Units and other emissions-reducing technologies and practices.
Other NFF requests include $3 million over four years to support the Ag Trade Apprenticeship, along with $1 million over two years to investigate the government’s role in facilitating succession planning on family farms.
McIntyre says these budget requests are designed to ensure Australian agriculture can keep delivering benefits for the whole nation.
“These are sharp, targeted investments that deliver benefits well beyond the farm gate,” he says.
“With the right support, agriculture can keep growing Australia’s economy, strengthening regional communities and safeguarding our food security.
“Our message to government is simple: invest in Australian agriculture, and you invest in Australia’s future.”