Media Releases
Mandatory OPDs on all new quad bikes a win for farm safety
Calls for stronger quad bike safety standards and mandatory operator protection devices (OPDs) from the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), the National Farmers Federation and other industry bodies have been answered today by the Federal Government. “Workplace safety is a non-negotiable.…
Devastating disease on Australia’s doorstep
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) supports the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthen biosecurity enforcement at Australia’s borders and encourages further investment in public awareness campaigns and biosecurity controls given the devastating outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) occurring across Asia.…
VFF welcomes permanent kangaroo management program
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) Livestock Group welcomes the release today of the permanent Kangaroo Harvesting Program to help manage kangaroo populations in Victoria. “After 5 years of advocating for the pet food trial to be made permanent, today we…
Farmer groups cheesed off about GI protections
Farmers are being urged to fight back against the European Union’s demands for Australia to restrict the use of common cheese names in a proposed free trade agreement between Australia and the 28 EU countries. Peak dairy farmer groups the…
Calling all young dairy professionals for 2020 New Zealand Study Tour
The United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV) is calling all young dairy leaders to apply for the 2020 Gardiner Dairy Foundation UDV New Zealand Study Tour and explore the best of the New Zealand dairy industry in February 2020. “The annual…
VFF calls for tougher trespass penalties at Parliamentary hearing
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) President David Jochinke presented today at the Inquiry into the Impact of Animal Rights Activism to ask for farm trespass penalties to be strengthened to $220,000 for individuals and $400,000 for organisations, and $1,000 on-the-spot…
VFF slams sensationalist glyphosate reporting
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has slammed the sensationalist and misleading reporting on 60 Minutes about glyphosate. “The reporting seen last night on 60 minutes was sensationalist and misleading,” said Mr David Jochinke, VFF President. “The reporter asks interviewees if…
Victorian drought road train network extended
As a result of Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) lobbying, VicRoads has announced the extension of the Victorian drought road train network to include Calder Highway, just in time for harvest. “The VFF and our members have been calling out for…
Last chance for farmers to claim $1,200 quad bike safety rebate
Farmers have less than a month to claim a $1,200 rebate for two quad bike operator protection devices (OPDs) or a safer alternative farm vehicle before the Quad Bike Safety Rebate Scheme closes on 30 June 2020. “Quad bikes are…
A sea of 150,000 tulips line the Yarra River on the first day of spring
Over 150,000 tulips will line the banks of Melbourne’s Yarra River this Sunday as part of a large-scale installation by sustainable designer and eco-warrior Joost Bakker. Largely known for lining Hosier Lane last year with a sea of tulips that…
Six hospital visits a day from quad bike accidents
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is imploring farmers to use extreme care when using quad bikes, install an operator protection device (OPD) and consider alternative, safer farm vehicles. “The ACCC found that quad bikes cause an average of six emergency…
Meeting with Minister to address extreme drought conditions
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) welcomes the ongoing discussions surrounding the creation of a National Drought Strategy but insists farmers currently enduring drought are not sufficiently supported. “As climate variability increases, building drought resilience as a part of a national…