As Australia moves towards the next federal election, the National Farmers' Federation (NFF) is making one thing clear - the policy debate must be about farmers and the communities they support.
On his first day on the job, the new NFF Chief Executive, Troy Williams, says the organisation's immediate priority is to ensure that agricultural issues are front and centre, not just during the campaign but long after the votes are counted.
"Farming isn't just another sector of the economy. It's the lifeblood of regional communities, a pillar of national prosperity, and essential to every Australian household," Mr Williams said.
The NFF election platform Securing Australia's Farming Future sets out the reforms that back Australian farmers and the communities they support. Australia's farming sector contributes $88 billion to the economy and supports around 315,600 jobs.
Mr Williams said the NFF's policy agenda is driven from the ground up, ensuring that farmers' needs shape government decision-making.
"Our policies come directly from NFF members. It's our grassroots farmer organisations that know firsthand what's happening on the land. From workforce shortages and trade access to climate resilience and biosecurity, these aren't abstract issues. They affect every farm, every town, and every family in rural Australia," Mr Williams said.
Mr Williams said the NFF's strength lies in its member farming organisations, and the key to success is leveraging their expertise and building their capacity to be part of the discussion for change.
"No one understands farming better than farmers themselves. Our job at the NFF is to make sure their voices are heard, respected, and acted upon," Mr William said.
A significant focus for Mr Williams will be on empowering the NFF members to ensure they have the tools required to support the sector best.
"That means giving our member organisations the support they need to be effective advocates, ensuring that politicians and policymakers are engaging with those on the land who live and breathe agriculture every day," Mr Williams said.
"Every decision made in Canberra has an impact on the farm gate. We need policies that enable agriculture to thrive, not ones that tie farmers up in red tape or ignore the challenges they face," Mr Williams said.
Beyond the election, 2025 is also a landmark year for the NFF, with the launch of a new-look national conference – AgXchange Australia over 23-25 September 2025 on the Gold Coast, an event aimed to attract all of the industry from farmers to students, policymakers, agribusiness, researchers and everyone in between.
"This is an exciting new era for the NFF. We are redefining how we engage with industry, policymakers and the public. Events like AgXchange Australia that bring the industry together under one roof are incredibly valuable in driving an industry forward," Mr Williams said.
Mr Williams said his immediate focus was on meeting industry stakeholders and getting across a broad and busy agenda.
"I'm coming to this role with an immense respect for the sector and its people. The NFF doesn't exist without its members, partners and supporters, and I'm looking forward to getting out to meet them, hear their priorities and draw on their expertise," he said.
