This is the first of a regular series of columns coming from the VFF president Brett Hosking, a northwest Victorian graingrower, which will appear in each edition of the North West Farmer to update all farmers about their industry.
As we gear up for the looming federal election, the question begs: what’s in store for rural and farming communities and the many challenges we are set to face in the coming years?
The growing disconnect between politicians and the public is painfully evident in the way policies are shaped, especially here in the regions.
Time and again, decisions are made way before consulting those who are, or will be, directly impacted.
We are also seeing a glaring issue in the lack of transparency and accountability in government.
Transmission lines are bulldozed through productive farmland and fragile environments without consultation or accountability, all in the name of keeping the lights on in our major cities.
Landholders and communities are treated as mere collateral in these projects, no different to the steel or wires being used to build the lines.
Our roads in rural Victoria are our link to education, healthcare, freight and our ability to remain connected to community – yet they are crumbling before our eyes.
Our statistics so far this year tell us twice as many road fatalities have occurred on rural roads compared with metropolitan roads, and recently our Prime Minister made it clear where he sees regional anywhere in the big scheme – he announced $2.1 billion for metro roads and not a single word about regional Victoria’s increasingly dangerous road network.
But it is those roads which keep our families safe and put food on the nation’s tables.
It’s clear as a country, we face issues.
We as farmers, and those living in regional communities, can help solve our economic woes – we just need buy in from our leaders.
Victoria generates a significant portion of Australia’s food and fibre, supplying both domestic and international markets.
We are a leader in dairy, meat, grains, horticulture, and wool production, and many other areas.
Dairy farming alone contributes billions to Victoria’s economy, with major exports to Asia and the Middle East.
Combined these industries support thousands of jobs, from on-farm labour to supply chain roles in processing, transport, and agribusiness services.
Given our contribution and genuine opportunity to grow, it baffles me some of the constraining policies put in place by government.
Just look at the Allan Labor Government’s proposed Emergency Services Volunteer Fund, which threatens to take thousands of dollars from the farmers and volunteers who dedicate their time and resources to keep our state safe.
At the same time Canberra is hellbent on water buybacks, which have already decimated towns and communities within the basin and if continued as planned will further damage those women and men who produce the food and fibre we all enjoy.
Then there are our soaring energy prices due to poor policy and engagement with farmers, especially in the area of renewables, Canberra’s total mismanagement of seasonal and skilled labour and now, with the Trump factor, geopolitical pressures and potential tariff wars in every direction.
If cost of living matters to you, then we need to ensure our farmers are much better supported to continue to produce the best food and fibre in the world, here on our doorstep, as efficiently as possible so prices in our supermarkets can ensure every Victorian reaps the reward.
Enough is enough. Our politicians must be reminded they are here to represent the very communities which elected them in the first place.
You can be sure the VFF will do doing exactly that in the leadup to election day, and we encourage you to make sure your voice is heard as farmers and as regional Victorians.
Brett Hosking
Victorian Farmers Federation president
