Media Releases
VFF slams VicGrid power play
The Victorian Federation (VFF) has written to state MPs to vote down the contentious VicGrid Amendment Bill that would pave the way for police-backed powers to force entry onto farms and slap landholders with fines of up to $12,100. VFF…
Farmer frustration highlighted in inaugural farmer survey
Huge increases to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, crumbling regional roads, maintaining our biosecurity and forcing renewable energy infrastructure developments on communities topping the list of concerns in the Victorian Farmers Federation’s (VFF) inaugural State of the State: Victorian Farmer…
Lactalis purchase could spell the end for iconic dairy brands
The United Dairyfarmers of Victoria (UDV) says the future of some iconic Australian dairy brands could be in jeopardy following the confirmed purchase of Fonterra’s Australian dairy assets by French dairy giant Lactalis. UDV President Bernie Free said the acquisition…
Plan ‘to keep the lights on’ still leaves farmers in the dark
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says the State Government’s new Victorian Transmission Plan looks more like a roadmap for developers than a fair deal for regional communities. VFF President Brett Hosking said many farmers believe in deep, economy wide emission…
Proposed government job cuts could leave farmers vulnerable
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is concerned proposed staff reductions to key Victorian Government departments could leave Victoria’s $20 billion dollar agriculture industry vulnerable to the risks posed by devastating pests and biosecurity threats. VFF President Brett Hosking said the…
Support must be expanded state-wide as drought lingers
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says Victoria’s record-breaking drought is far from over and is warning farmers are facing mounting pressures including soaring costs, depleted pastures and plummeting farm finances that could spell increased prices at the supermarket checkout. VFF…
Key water infrastructure investment urged to prevent farmers from running dry
The Victorian Farmers (VFF) is calling for swift action to fund and complete key water infrastructure projects needed to secure the future of critical water supplies needed for rural communities and agricultural industries in times of drought. Central to the…
Freight Plan key to ag sector’s success
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed the release of the Victorian Government’s Victorian Freight Plan 2025-30 , describing it as a positive step toward strengthening the freight network and delivering improved outcomes for Victorian agriculture. VFF President Brett Hosking said the VFF…
Farmers’ voice key to Victorian ‘State of the State’ survey
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is urging farmers and regional Victorians to have their say on the biggest issues and opportunities facing their communities through the first ever State of the State: Farmer Priorities Survey. VFF President Brett Hosking said the…
Rethink needed as AEMO flags huge VNI West cost blowout
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says the Victorian Government must rethink the viability of the VNI West Transmission Project after the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) revealed huge cost blowouts to the project in a report released overnight. AEMO’s 2025 Electricity…
Energy transition must not trample farmers’ rights
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has reacted with concern following recent comments from Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio, warning that the State Government’s energy transition risks alienating the very communities it needs most. While the VFF supports the shift to renewable…
Basin Plan Evaluation paints deceptive picture
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says the recently released 2025 Basin Plan Evaluation portrays a deliberately deceiving snapshot of the Murray-Darling Basin and ignores the real-world reality facing farmers and communities in the region. VFF Water Council Chair and Murrabit…