Calls to Declare Buffel Grass a National Weed Are Rash and Misinformed, Says National Farmers’ Federation

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has strongly criticized calls to declare buffel grass as a Weed of National Signifcance (WoNS), labeling them as misinformed and potentially harmful to the agricultural sector.

Angus Atkinson, Chair of the NFF Sustainable Development and Climate Change Committee, emphasized that buffel grass is a crucial resource for livestock operations, particularly in arid regions.

“Buffel grass is a highyielding plant renowned for its resilience in dry environments. It is carefully managed by producers to support grazing operations, and it also offers signifcant environmental cobenefts, including land rehabilitation and erosion control—benefts that are often overlooked by environmental groups,” Atkinson explained.

The NFF argues that calls to list buffel grass as a WoNS ignore the substantial economic benefts it provides to thousands of producers across Australia. “Our members believe it should be recognized as a Feed of National Signifcance rather than being prematurely labeled a weed,”

Atkinson said.

Atkinson stressed that WoNS status should be reserved for plants where there is broad consensus for listing, national coordination, or eradication assistance.

“There is no consensus on buffel grass, and farmers do not support its inclusion as a WoNS. The process for dealing with contentious plants like buffel grass needs to be distinct from the WoNS process, which inadequately considers the economic value of such plants,” he added.

The NFF also expressed concern that decisions by some jurisdictions to declare buffel grass a weed could lead to a national listing of this vital agricultural species. “Listing buffel grass as a WoNS would deal a devastating blow to northern grazing systems, decimate grasslands dominated by buffel grass, and result in signifcant top-soil loss,” Atkinson warned.

The NFF is calling for a more informed and balanced approach to the management of buffel grass, one that acknowledges its critical role in Australia’s agricultural landscape.