Refnement of Future Drought Fund welcomed by farmers

Farmers have welcomed an announcement by the Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in Rockhampton today regarding the next phase of the Future Drought Fund (FDF).

National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President, David Jochinke, said the FDF was central to making producers more resilient in the face of current and future droughts.

“Supporting long-term resilience through initiatives and programs like those funded by the FDF has never been more important.

“Having been up and running for several years it makes sense to continually review the FDF and ensure we’re making the most of that investment.

“The Prime Minister being in Rockhampton to make today’s announcement hopefully demonstrates that drought resilience is front of mind for this Government, especially given the dry conditions being faced by producers in the West and Tasmania,” Mr Jochinke said.

Mr Jochinke called out specifc areas where today’s announcement aligns with suggestions put forward by farmer advocates and the Productivity Commission.

“We’re pleased to see the continuation of the Farm Business Resilience Program.

Sound fnancial planning is one of the most powerful tools we have to prepare for drought, and we know that program has helped thousands of farmers sharpen up their preparation.

“We’re also pleased to see a review of the Drought Hubs and more investment in overall monitoring and evaluation of the FDF.

This is something we’ve called for to ensure we’re seeing tangible outcomes for the sector.

“I know that with Brent Finlay in the Chair at the FDF, that focus on delivering for farmers will be central to that review process.”

Mr Jochinke stressed however that while FDF changes were welcome, the sector couldn’t ignore a range of adverse policies that would be clouding the PM’s visit to Rockhampton this week.

“If the Government was fair dinkum about the resilience of Aussie farmers, it would urgently scrap harmful policies like the Biosecurity Protection Levy or the phase out of live sheep exports.

“It would also stop denying justice to the victims of the 2011 live cattle export ban and settle that long-running class action.

“Giving with one hand and taking with another doesn’t really get us anywhere,” Mr Jochinke concluded.