Comments attributable to NFF President, Hamish McIntyre
This is a welcome and practical step that will help get fertiliser where it's needed most, and a direct result of advocacy and the importance of industry and Government working together.
We also acknowledge the four additional shiploads of fuel that will deliver an extra 200 million litres of diesel from South Korea, Brunei and Malaysia.
We've been clear, fertiliser isn't optional for Australian farmers. Without it, we simply can't grow the food and fibre Australia relies on. Australian agriculture is on track to contribute more than $100 billion to the economy this year and supports over 250,000 jobs, with nearly all production reliant on fertiliser and diesel.
This outcome reflects the Government acting on the concerns we've been raising directly on behalf of farmers. Coupled with last week's announcement securing 250,000 tonnes of urea, it will help restore some confidence heading into the season.
But we are still a long way from being out of the woods. Despite this news, farmers and regional businesses are still under real pressure, facing tight supply, rising costs and tough decisions.
As National Cabinet meets this week, we need continued action to shore up supply, an agriculture-specific plan and targeted support for those facing circumstances no business could reasonably prepare for.
