Farmers welcome Productivity Commission inquiry

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) welcomes the release today of the Terms of Reference for the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry Into Regulation of the Australian Agricultural Sector.
NFF President Brent Finlay anticipates that a detailed analysis of the regulatory burden imposed on farm businesses will provide the policy settings to generate greater certainty for farmers and new investors into Australian agriculture.
“Agriculture has been signalled as one of the five pillars of the Australian economy. Surging global demand for Australian food and fibre translates to huge opportunities for farmers and agribusiness alike,” Mr Finlay said.
“A continued commitment from the Government to reduce unnecessary red tape on farm businesses will ensure the regulatory environment facilitates, rather than hinders, agriculture’s growth.
“The NFF has always believed that regulation can play an important role in supporting the farm sector – a key example being our world-class biosecurity regime.
“However overall levels of regulation continue to exceed what is necessary. We must take a cross-jurisdictional approach to red tape reduction, with states and the Commonwealth working together to identify areas of duplication or overreach.
“We commend the Government for delivering this important initiative which forms part of the Agricultural competitiveness White Paper. The NFF looks forward to lodging its submission aimed at improving the current regulatory environment for farmers and agribusiness,” Mr Finlay said.