Australia's peak farm body has acknowledged the new frontbench lineup announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra today.
Significantly for the sector, the changes include a new Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - with QLD Senator Murray Watt making way for Tasmanian MP Julie Collins.
NFF President David Jochinke welcomed Minister Collins to the role.
"The agriculture portfolio holds enormous strategic importance.
"The farm sector is central to Australia's climate and energy plans, as well as our economic prosperity.
"Most importantly, a thriving farm sector means quality, affordable produce for Aussie families amid cost-of-living pressures.
"We hope Minister Collins will be a champion for sensible policies to support and grow our farm sector," Mr Jochinke said.
Mr Jochinke also welcomed Senator Anthony Chisholm into the role as assistant minister to the agricultural portfolio.
"We look forward to also working with Senator Chisholm and having that additional horsepower of an assistant minister in the portfolio."
Mr Jochinke also acknowledged the tenure of outgoing minister, Murray Watt.
"Minister Watt's time will most likely be remembered for its heated conflicts with the sector - from live sheep, to water buybacks, to the biosecurity tax proposal and visa disputes.
"There's no doubt we've seen some policies that have deeply impacted and enraged our sector.
"But we also acknowledge his partnership and willingness to work with the sector on sustainability, establishing the workplace tripartite working group, and delivery of enhanced funding for biosecurity. His commitment to normalising our trade with China and ensuring Australian agriculture didn't end up with a bad deal in the EU free trade agreement will also be remembered well.
"With Minister Watt now leading the Employment and Workplace Relations portfolio, we hope his knowledge of producers' concerns surrounding the recent industrial relations changes means their concerns are addressed."
Mr Jochinke said the NFF looked forward to working with the new-look frontbench on a positive plan for the sector as the next election draws nearer.
"We need Minister Collins to work closely and collaboratively with industry to strengthen agriculture's relationship with the Government. We look forward to meeting with her soon.
"What farmers are looking for is a demonstration of this government's commitment to our $100 billion growth target. We want to see positive plans and investments to grow the economy through food and fibre production.
"I look forward to continuing that conversation with the new Minister and frontbench team," Mr Jochinke concluded.
