VFF Policy Achievements

Over the past 12 - 18 months the VFF has continued to lead the debate on many vital issues with government and within the media:

The VFF is standing up to the Government's proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme so that farmers will not be left to foot a multi-million dollar carbon tax bill.

Lobbied the Victorian Government to ensure a long term commitment to Victorian food production, the Future Farming Strategy, a $205 million programme including $103 million targeted at improving farm productivity, $11 million for addressing climate change and $3 million for skills development.

Obtained a $180 million commitment on Victoria's Rail Freight Network including a complete restoration of key gold and silver freight lines and a rehabilitation of selected bronze lines.

Lobbied for boosts to critical regional infrastructure, including $1.2 billion for better regional arterials, $240 million in a boost to maintenance funding for regional roads and significant funding for Auslink2 projects.

Lobbied the State and Federal Governments to continue drought support measures for Victorian farmers by extending EC declarations and announcing a new $115 million package of State based drought support.

Worked to ensure that the State and Federal Governments gave the green light to the Port Phillip Bay Channel Deepening project which will generate in excess of $2 billion for the Victorian economy over the next thirty years.

Continued to lead the debate on the National Plan for Water Security to protect the rights of Victorian irrigators.

Supported the applicants through legal proceedings in the Hahnheuser case to protect the $1.8 billion Live Export Trade, so that farmers can get on with the job without fear of environmental activists damaging their businesses.

Successfully lobbied the Victorian Government to introduce a $400 rebate for horticulturalists purchasing a Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS)

Worked with Agfarm to form the first Victorian grower-owned Grains Brokerage Alliance in Australia's newly deregulated wheat market.

Signed off on two significant documents with the Minerals Council of Australia regarding exploration and mining on Victorian private land to protect Victorian farmers in their dealings with the mining industry.
The VFF played a vital role in the lifting of the moratorium on GM canola and use of alternative weed management techniques in canola crops.

The VFF has negotiated a special price for NLIS cattle tags for Victoria's cattle producers. At $1.65 each, this represents a savings of $2.15 from the price paid interstate and saves the local industry an estimated $1.2 million yearly.

The VFF is taking the lead in lobbying the Government about the Fire Services Levy and Native Vegetation Regulation in the upcoming Royal Commission into the Victorian bushfires.

Key Messages

Note from the President

30 YEARS FIGHTING FOR FARMERS

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Victorian Farmers Federation. Over the past three decades the VFF has worked hard to provide strong and effective leadership for farmers and rural Victorians.

The Victorian farm lobby has driven changes that have had profound impacts, not only on farmers and agriculture, but on the national economy and the wider Australian community. The VFF has a lot to be proud of.

In 1985 45,000 people marched for a fair go for farmers. In 1986 the VFF worked with the State Government to initiate Landcare. In the 90s the VFF clashed with militant unionists in the Water Front dispute. This year the VFF won the case against animal activist Ralph Hahnheuser to protect Australia's $1.8 billion live export industry.

Today the farm lobby continues to take the fight to government on unfair farm rates, the Fire Service Levy and a poorly drafted Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. There is still more to be done. More than ever before the VFF needs your help to continue the fight.

Membership of the VFF is about working together to provide better outcomes for farmers. Your membership entitles you to a range of services including lobbying and advocacy, industrial relations and disaster relief. VFF membership is also an acknowledgement of your support for national representation through the National Farmers' Federation (NFF) and Peak Commodity Councils.

The VFF hosts a range of educational and social activities as well as providing commercial member benefit opportunities with Telstra, Elders Insurance, Mitsubishi, Rydges Hotels, ABN AMRO Morgans stock broking, Prime Super and Slidders lawyers.

If you require any additional information please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team on 1300 882 833 or email me directly at abroad@vff.org.au.

After 30 years our organisation has a strong past and, with your help, will enjoy an even stronger future.

Simon Ramsay Signature

Andrew Broad
President





Latest News

VFF President Andrew Broad addressing 
	the Rural Press Club

VFF President Andrew Broad addressing the
Rural Press Club

VFF President Andrew Broad meeting 
	with Family First Senator Steve Fielding regarding the Federal Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme
VFF President Andrew Broad meeting with Family First Senator Steve Fielding regarding the Federal Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.

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