Advocacy Priorities

Advocacy Priorities

Protecting our farming future
Advocacy Priorities 2023 - 2025

President’s Message 

The VFF is changing the way we advocate on behalf of Victorian farmers and our regional communities. 

In a complex political environment with hundreds of voices competing for the decision maker’s attention, it has never been more important to have a clear advocacy focus. 

That’s why the VFF is transitioning away from taking a purely reactive stance to issues, to having a proactive one. With a renewed focus on setting our advocacy priorities well in advance we can ensure that we not only respond to the challenges that arise but also shape the future of farming in our state. 

Our advocacy priorities for the next two years have been selected after thorough consideration of both the threats to our industry and the opportunities for success. 

It is imperative that we confront these challenges head-on with a united front—not just as farmers, but as industry, government and community combined. 

These six key priorities are the cornerstone of our efforts: 

  • Getting the transition to renewable energy right. 
  • Fixing regional roads. 
  • Maintaining animal health and welfare. 
  • Protecting biosecurity and sustainability 
  • Standing up for Victorian irrigation communities. 
  • Making every farm safer. 

We will collaborate with government and other stakeholders, engage in robust policy discussions, and leverage our collective strength to achieve our goals. 

Together, we will chart a path forward that not only protects our farming future but also empowers it to flourish. 

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Victorian farmers advocacy priorities 

Getting the transition to renewable energy right
Victorian farmers are getting everything but a fair go in the transition to renewable energy. Victoria has no real plan on how the power generated in regional Victoria will be distributed across the community. The VFF is advocating for reform to the planning of renewable energy and transmission infrastructure to protect valuable agricultural land and to ensure the rights of Victorian farmers and their communities are protected.
Fixing regional roads
The deteriorating condition of regional road and rail infrastructure is driving up transport costs and putting regional lives at risk. The VFF is advocating for much needed investment to fix country roads and to free up freight networks.
Maintaining animal health and welfare
New animal welfare legislation is set to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament in 2024. This will fundamentally change the operating environment for Victorian livestock producers. The legislative change also opens up risks for ill-informed and unscientific changes to animal welfare regulations.
Protecting biosecurity and sustainability
With exotic diseases on Australia’s doorstep there has never been a more important time to invest in our biosecurity measures. Biosecurity, traceability and the ability to manage weeds and pests are central to maintaining trust and reputation in Victorian produce. The VFF is advocating for investment in biosecurity systems, and for crown land managers to better look after the environment so additional costs are not placed on farmers.
Standing up for Victorian irrigation communities
The Murray Darling Basin Plan remains the biggest challenge facing farming communities in Northern Victoria and additional water recovery threatens hundreds of jobs in irrigated agriculture and food manufacturing. The VFF is advocating to ensure a balanced approach is taken to ensure farmers don’t see more water being taken out of production.
Making every farm safer
Farms are among the most dangerous workplaces in Victoria. For over two decades the VFF has partnered with the Victorian Government in delivering farm safety awareness programs to help protect farmers, their families and employees. We will advocate for this important work to continue through the successful Making our Farms Safer program and on-farm safety
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