- Farmers welcome $20 million Buy Australian campaign
- FCA also welcomes $3.9M to help farmers negotiate with supermarkets and $6.8 million for international market access
- An opportunity has been missed to boost batteries in the budget
Farmers for Climate Action (FCA) welcomes the $20 million Buy Australian campaign and the $3.9 million to help farmers deal with supermarkets in the Federal Budget. It also welcomes the $150 energy bill rebate for small businesses.
However FCA points out a golden opportunity has been missed to boost batteries on-farm, which help stabilise the grid, make farms more energy independent and store clean energy produced during the day.
FCA CEO Natalie Collard said the Buy Australia campaign was warmly welcomed.
"Look after Aussie farmers, because they look after you," Ms Collard said.
"Australian farmers have a long tradition of making clean, green food and fibre, and this campaign will help more city Australians realise this.
"Polling commissioned by FCA nearly 18 months ago showed many country people thought supermarket behaviour was the second biggest threat to local farming after climate change, so it's good to see $3.9 million to help farmers and small businesses deal with supermarkets.
"Australian farmers rely on international trade because they export 70% of what they produce, and no discussion on trade can be had without discussing climate change. Our trading partners want more action on climate change. The biggest threat to Australia's market access is Australian Governments not doing enough on climate change because they're too scared of coal and gas companies.
"As the USA considers slapping Australian farmers with tariffs, our other markets such as the EU are requesting more carbon-friendly and climate-friendly produce from us.
"The budget was a golden opportunity to boost batteries on-farm. We know if we charge up farm batteries, we help stabilise the grid, make farms more energy independent and store clean energy produced during the day. We hope farm batteries get charged up by Federal dollars soon."
