Walcha farmer Jock Laurie has been returned as the President of the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) for a second term at the NFF Members’ Council meeting and AGM in Canberra.
Speaking at the Members’ Council meeting, Mr Laurie said that, despite a generally positive outlook for the sector on a production front, the agricultural industry as a whole is still facing some major challenges in policy decision-making.
“This is a very interesting time for all Australian farmers, with some of the major policy decisions up for debate in Federal Parliament having the potential for major implications and ramifications for our sector,” Mr Laurie said.
“From water availability through the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, to additional costs through the carbon tax, to the need for a consistent approach to mining and coal seam gas regulation across all States and Territories, there are some major decisions that the Government is currently making that are going to seriously affect our farmers.
“And that’s exactly why the NFF exists, to work with the Government on the issues of importance to agriculture and to fight for a strong and sustainable future of our farming sector,” Mr Laurie said.
