Opinion by Hamish McIntyre, National Farmers' Federation President
It's been a busy first month as president of the National Farmers Federation. I'm listening, learning and ready to work on a clear set of priorities that will strengthen farm businesses, rural communities and Australia's food security.
I see agriculture reaching the $100 billion farmgate output goal ahead of our 2030 deadline. With the help of smart policy, diversified trade options and letting farmers get on with the job, I believe a $100 billion industry is just the start for our sector.
I'm passionate about increasing access to local inputs, having recently experienced limited access to imported fertiliser. Improving farmers' trade opportunities and making sure farmers are not burdened with unfair policy, taxes or red tape is essential.
Another high priority for my time as president is to get the right NFF membership structure securely in place. It's a complex issue, but we're almost there.
Enquiries about the NFF's net zero position have dominated this first month and show no sign of easing. We must remember that agriculture is an export-oriented industry and we rely on our overseas markets to keep farm businesses profitable. Our customers are demanding climate actions. The majority of our trading partners and competitors have net zero targets. net zero is not just an Australian commitment, it is a global goal.
We believe all sectors in Australia must play their part in adjusting to the ever-changing climate, including agriculture. But this must never be to the detriment of our ability to profitably produce food and fibre. That's our highest priority.
This does not require net zero for agriculture and that's consistent with our view. Doing nothing is not an option, but agriculture cannot be expected to provide the easy solution to other sectors' challenges.
Agricultural production is under increasing pressure from carbon and biodiversity offsets, as well as housing, energy and critical minerals projects.
We believe other sectors need to shoulder responsibility for their own emissions. It's a discussion I'm looking forward to further progressing at Parliament House.
I've been in and out of the Canberra sphere before, as chair of Cotton Australia, director of Australian Wagyu Association, and during my time on the NFF Board.
I'm fairly used to splitting my time between the nation's capital and my farms in southern Queensland.
I know all too well that decisions made in Canberra can impact farmers' bottom lines and viability.
Farmers need resilient and efficient supply chains and that's why I am especially looking forward to the NFF contributing to the National Food Security Strategy.
Painful energy and agronomic product bills, plus being one of many farmers unable to access urea at a critical time for the crops spurred me to start an on-farm, manure based fertiliser program, but it's important to see where our vulnerabilities are and what we can do to mitigate them.
My wife Mary and I started our farming business in 1998. I was working in agronomy and managing an irrigation farm development and together we saved enough for our first property. We were determined to grow this and find other income streams to stabilise our business against the highs and lows of agriculture.
We now have numerous properties across Queensland, which include irrigated and dryland cropping, feedlots, sheep (Merino and Dorper), cattle (Angus and Wagyu), broiler chicken meat business and even rangeland goats to provide woody weed control.
We have enjoyed growing our family farming business and ensuring that it is resilient to the continually changing climate and economic challenges. We have spent a lot of time in the paddock and behind the desk with our team of experienced managers running our operations.
We have a family commitment to agriculture with our three sons pursuing study and careers in agricultural business and science.
I understand first hand the risks, challenges and hard work experienced by farmers as they strive to produce world class food and fibre as well as the contribution they make to create vibrant rural communities.
I am very honoured to represent our farming sector at a national level and I am determined to work hard as NFF President.
I'm a big believer in the adage 'the harder you work, the luckier you get'.
This piece first appeared on The Land.
