THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the Coalition backing a National Food Security Strategy, cementing bipartisan support for this critical election priority.

NFF president David Jochinke said it was a proud moment for national farm advocacy.

“We’ve fought hard for this commitment, not only working with our members but with other organisations along the food supply chain who have been concerned by Australia not having a national strategy,” Mr Jochinke said.

With both major parties pledging support for the strategy if elected, Mr Jochinke said it was vital the next parliament moved quickly to deliver.

“Australia is lucky to have a strong and resilient food system – but we’re not bulletproof,” Mr Jochinke said.

“Farmers are dealing with workforce shortages, soaring input costs, supply chain pressures and rising red tape. On top of that, we’re heavily reliant on imported fuel, fertiliser and chemicals. That makes us vulnerable to global disruptions we can’t control.”

The NFF has long called for a comprehensive national strategy to safeguard Australia’s food system, and is urging all sides of politics – including minor parties and independents – to get behind the plan.

“This is about protecting our farmers and our food supply in an increasingly volatile world,” Mr Jochinke said.

“We can’t afford to take food security for granted.”

The proposed strategy must provide a clear framework to identify and fix vulnerabilities across the supply chain, from geopolitical risks and climate shocks to biosecurity threats and local bottlenecks.

“It’s also an opportunity to look at the cost of doing business in farming and food. What happens along the supply chain affects what Australians pay at the checkout. Strengthening our food system helps keep food affordable, and that’s good for every Australian household,” Mr Jochinke said.

The NFF has also welcomed bipartisan support for a $2.5 million commitment to save lives on farms following a horror year of fatalities.

The latest AgHealth Australia data shows a concerning spike in 2024: 72 deaths and 133 people seriously injured – more than double the previous year.

Mr Jochinke said the funding would allow Farmsafe Australia to continue its critical work to reverse these alarming numbers.

“We thank both sides of politics for stepping up and committing to this investment in saving lives,” Mr Jochinke said.

“Every death shatters a family. There are 72 families across Australia grieving from just one year. This funding sends a signal that the safety of farming families matters – and that Government has a role to play in fixing this.”

Farmsafe Australia Chair and Tasmanian farmer, Felicity Richards, thanked Labor and the Coalition for their leadership and commitment to building on programs to ensure generational change. She said the funding would be a game-changer for safety efforts on the ground.

“This support comes at a critical time. We’ve seen far too many tragedies over the years, and we know that with the right information and education, many of these could have been prevented,” Mrs Richards said.

Mrs Richards acknowledged the importance of bipartisan support as deeply encouraging.

“It’s heartening to see both sides of politics recognise the importance of what we do. Farm safety is a responsibility for all of us. It’s about making sure the next generation grows up with their parents, their siblings, and their neighbours still alive,” she said.

“This funding allows us to focus on what matters most: preventing injury and saving lives.”

National Farm Safety Week is 20-26 July 2025 and this year’s theme is Second Chances – Who knows how many you’ll get.