February 2013

The Western Australian Farmers Federation (Inc) supports and endorses all key resolutions emanating from the Rural Debt Roundtable Working Group (RDRTWG). The RDRTWG was morphed from a collective gathering of industry leaders who met the Federal Treasurer, Hon Wayne Swan, in October at the Rural Debt Roundtable in Brisbane. WAFarmers Senior Vice President and Farm Business Spokesman, Tony York, highlighted the deep concerns throughout the Wheatbelt with the level of farm debt, difficulty in obtaining

The Western Australian Farmers Federation (Inc.) (WAFarmers) commends the CBH Group on the announcement of its Pre-Pay Advantage product for the state’s grain growers this season. CBH’s Pre-Pay Advantage product provides a pre-payment for grain that is committed to be delivered to any CBH product at harvest.  WAFarmers Senior Vice President and Farm Business Spokesman, Tony York, said the early announcement of the CBH harvest advance package was positive news for Western Australian farmers. “The harvest

The Western Australian Farmers Federation (Inc.) (WAFarmers) seeks the introduction of an ‘agricultural impact assessment’ process in the evaluation of potential mining or industrial development in farming areas, as part of its 2013 Western Australia State Election Policy. WAFarmers President, Dale Park, said there was a real and immediate need for greater protection of agricultural land against the obvious difference between the activities conducted on agricultural, mining, industrial, peri-urban and residential land. “Much like exists

The Western Australian Farmers Federation (Inc.) (WAFarmers) and the Wheatbelt Railway Retention Alliance (WRRA) have welcomed the inclusion of Tier 3 rail in the Liberal Party’s agricultural policy. WRRA Co-ordinator, Jane Fuchsbichler, said it was a step in the right direction that the Liberal Party has acknowledged the importance of Tier 3 rail and included it in its agricultural policy. “We welcome the news however, we need a commitment that, if elected, the Premier will

The Western Australian Farmers Federation (Inc.) (WAFarmers) wants to see the development of a long term vision for the State’s agricultural industries as a major part of any State Government’s plans. WAFarmers has identified six agricultural related departments: Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA), Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), Department of Water, Department of Mines and Petroleum, Department of Main Roads and the Department of Transport, which need increased support. WAFarmers wants a

The Western Australian Farmers Federation (Inc.) (WAFarmers) is calling for the continued use of Genetically Modified (GM) crops, as part of its 2013 Western Australian State Election Policy. WAFarmers President, Dale Park, said WAFarmers’ Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) policy has, for a number of years, supported the technology through the appropriate use of GM crops governed by industry-agreed protocols relating to storage, transport and buffer zones.  “WAFarmers continues to work with the broader industry to

The Western Australian Farmers Federation (Inc.) (WAFarmers) is calling for the expansion of the State Rural Water Program to include farm businesses connected to the Integrated Water Supply Scheme (IWSS). WAFarmers Water Resources Spokesman, Steve Dilley, said WAFarmers had been a strong supporter of the Department of Water’s Rural Water Planning Program, and its component projects, the Farm Water Supply Planning Scheme (FWSPS) and the Farm Water Rebate Scheme (FWRS). “WAFarmers frequently encounters farmers who