Comments attributable to NFF President David Jochinke:
The NFF congratulates Cattle Australia for its leadership on behalf of industry in clarifying what 'deforestation' should mean in an Australian context.
With major customers such as the EU and Australian supermarkets moving to safeguard against 'deforestation' in their supply chains, it's critical we have a commonly understood definition that is grounded in the practical realities of managing Australia's unique landscape.
Today's contribution by Cattle Australia follows considered and rigorous consultation and the NFF welcomes this proactive and constructive approach.
The initial response by Greenpeace and the Australian Conservation Foundation has been less constructive. Both organisations continue to peddle an outdated 'lock it up and leave' approach which has proven time and again to be ecologically devastating.
The Australian landscape needs more active management, not less. That's how we manage invasive species which are now the single largest threat to Australia's biodiversity. It's also how we protect lives, property and ecosystems from uncontrollable bushfires.
Farmers who have worked the land for generations understand this. Out of touch environment groups seemingly don't want to acknowledge these practical and scientific realities.
Attempts by these environment groups to bully and coerce Australian companies into banning sustainable farming practices are shameful and deserve to be called out.
We applaud the Government and retailers for continuing to engage sensibly with industry on this issue.
