Farmers are calling for lower costs, less bureaucracy and stronger support for rural communities ahead of this year’s election, with Federated Farmers launching a five-point manifesto at National Fieldays.
President Wayne Langford says Federated Farmers has very specific and practical requests under those five high-level themes. “We’ve made our asks extremely clear, so politicians have absolutely no doubt what farmers are actually looking for this election,” he says.
Cutting farming costs is a key focus. Federated Farmers is calling for measures that reduce compliance costs, prevent the introduction of new taxes on farmers and improve the overall economic environment for rural businesses. They say rising costs continue to pressure farms’ profits and limit investments in productivity.
Enabling technology and infrastructure is another major focus. Federated Farmers wants to see practical steps taken to accelerate the uptake of technologies that improve efficiency and resilience, including solar energy. The organisation says that better infrastructure and greater support for innovation will help farmers remain competitive as they adapt to future challenges.
Community conservation is another. FedFarm seeks stronger support for landowners who voluntarily protect and promote the environment on their properties. Among its proposals is increased funding for the QEII National Trust, which works with farmers and other landowners to safeguard areas of ecological and cultural importance through covenant agreements.
Supporting youth is also a priority. There’s a real need to attract, develop and retain the next generation of people working in the primary sector. Ensuring clear career pathways, skills development opportunities and long-term confidence in the industry will be critical for future success.
Fixing local government rounds out the five-point plan. “With local government reform currently underway, we’ve spelled out exactly what we think should happen, including a separation of provincial areas from major cities, and removing councils’ ability to commit to joint decision-making with unelected groups,” Wayne Langford says.
A key policy proposal within the manifesto is replacing resource consents with farm plans. FedFarm argues the plans would provide a more practical and cost-effective way of managing environmental outcomes while reducing unnecessary bureaucracy. The organisation says the current consent system can be expensive, time-consuming and difficult to navigate, particularly for smaller operations. Under its proposal, farmers would work within tailored plans that recognise the unique characteristics of individual properties while still meeting environmental standards.
Langford says the priorities reflect what farmers are consistently raising across the country, from rising compliance costs and infrastructure needs through to workforce development and environmental management. Policies are aimed at improving productivity, strengthening rural communities and providing greater certainty for agribusinesses ahead of the election.
“There’s a real breadth to this election platform and the issues we’re wanting to discuss, but no room for confusion about what we’re asking for.”
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