The Western Australian Farmers Federation (Inc.) (WAFarmers) continues to represent Western Australian farmers on a truly Local, State and National level, 12 months after officially rejoining the National Farmers Federation (NFF).

WAFarmers President, Mike Norton, noted that NFF membership has proven to be beneficial for WAFarmers, its members, and agriculture in general.

“NFF membership has enabled WAFarmers better access to decision makers in Canberra, and has facilitated stronger relationships with other State Farming Organisations and National Commodity Councils.”

“WAFarmers continues to be Western Australia’s only organisation to be represented at the NFF, which has enabled excellent access to senior politicians including the Federal Minister for Agriculture, the Hon. Tony Burke MP; Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water, the Hon. Penny Wong; and Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Tony Abbott MP.

“In the last 12 months, WAFarmers and the NFF have worked together to protect farmers from adverse taxation charges; ensure the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme is more considerate of the agricultural industry; and contributed towards the introduction of a drought reform trial in WA.”

WAFarmers has also significantly contributed to the recently released NFF 2010 Federal Election Policy Platform, which details key policy priorities in agriculture for the upcoming Federal Election.

“For the first time in almost a decade, Western Australia’s farmers’ views will be effectively heard, on ground, in the upcoming Federal Election.”

“Looking ahead, WAFarmers will continue to work on the Federal stage on issues including climate change; biosecurity; property rights; rural development; and research and development.

“WAFarmers is a more informed, connected and influential organisation for being members of the NFF, and looks forward to continuing this mutually beneficial partnership,” concluded Mr Norton.