The economic reforms of the 1980s were built on a fundamental understanding that more open markets for agricultural products would allow Australian farmers to seize global opportunities.
Subscribe now for unlimited access to all our agricultural news
across the nation
or signup to continue reading
That work paid off. Reduced tariffs, and free trade agreements, have become the backbone of our sector's competitiveness.
Today, more than 70 per cent of what Australian farmers produce is exported, mostly to countries with which we have free trade agreements. But the global trade environment that underpins our success is shifting - and possibly for good.
All eyes are on the US administration's latest round of tariffs. While Australian agriculture has so far been spared, it would be naive to assume we won't be next. Yet the US isn't alone in protectionist moves. Across Europe, Asia, and Africa, tariffs, export controls, and domestic price supports continue to distort global markets, hampering global dynamism and competition.
The US-Australia agricultural relationship is deep and valuable. Underpinned by the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement - now in its 20th year - our nations are tightly linked.
The US invests billions in Australian agriculture, leasing and owning more than two million hectares of farmland. Australian producers rely on US crop science, genetics, insurance products and farm machinery, importing about $400 million worth of equipment annually.
As a nation, we also import $2.5 billion in US food and agricultural products. These ties should not be overlooked or taken for granted.
The NFF has been working closely with the Australian Government as it engages with the US on potential tariffs. NFF's member-driven advocacy is clear: any agreement must align with the sector's principles and technical market access issues, such as biosecurity, cannot be up for negotiation.
The NFF supports the Government's calm, measured approach in dealing with the US and urge all sides of politics to stay unified in securing the best outcome for Australian producers.
Beyond the US, the NFF is watching global trade developments closely. A slowdown in China - Australia's largest trading partner - could have even greater consequences for Australian agriculture than direct US tariffs.
Meanwhile, the EU has signalled interest in reviving free trade negotiations with Australia. The last offer in 2023 was rightly rejected because it failed to deliver for Australian farmers. If talks resume, the NFF will stand firm; we are open to discussions, but we will not accept a deal that compromises producers.
For decades, the NFF has fought for policies that facilitate free and fair trade, recognising that open markets drive prosperity for both Australian agriculture, the regional communities they support, and the global economy.
Ignoring the changes that may lie in front of Australia's farming sector would be unwise, but so too would simply abandoning the NFF's principles and practices that are at the core of the Australian way at the first sign of pressure.
From farmers through to NFF member organisations and the nation's most senior political leaders, now is the time to stand united in defence of a free and open global trading system.
- By David Jochinke, NFF president.
