Today’s National Cabinet outcomes fall short of delivering the certainty farmers need and we’re warning that more must be done to give farmers confidence.
VFF President Brett Hosking said while the Federal Government’s temporary fuel excise cut may provide some relief for consumers, it does little to address the unique and massive impacts being felt at the farm gate.
“Farmers are among the hardest hit by fuel and fertiliser price spikes, yet today’s announcements contain no clarity on how fuel will be prioritised if the crisis deepens.”
“Farmers are telling me they are facing a real make or break moment. They can’t keep absorbing skyrocketing input costs without a plan to at least break even in months ahead.”
“This decision might help consumers in the short-term, but it leaves farmers out in the cold on price relief. Eventually, the pain felt by farmers now will hurt consumers at the supermarket checkout,” Mr Hosking said.
The VFF expressed concern that, despite ongoing calls from industry, National Cabinet failed to commit to a clear framework that prioritises fuel access for critical industries such as agriculture, particularly in regional and rural communities already experiencing supply disruptions.
“We’ve consistently called for a system that recognises agriculture as an essential service in times of shortage. That means guaranteed access to fuel so farmers can plant, harvest and transport food and fibre.”
“We’re seeing patchy shortages and growing uncertainty. Without explicit prioritisation, farmers risk being left at the back of the queue and many will be forced to look after their bottom line,” Mr Hosking said.
While efforts to stabilise national fuel supply are welcome, the VFF says they must be matched with practical, on-the-ground measures that support those most exposed to volatility.
“Ensuring fuel imports and supply chains are functioning is important but it’s only part of the solution. Farmers need certainty that when they need fuel, it will be available.”
“Farmers are helping to keep food on the table and are underpinning our regional economies. In a crisis like this, they cannot be an afterthought,” Mr Hosking said.