Australian farmers believe they can help lead the country through the COVID-19-induced recession.
National Farmers Federation president Fiona Simson will lay out a wishlist to kickstart farming and agriculture at the National Press Club on July 14.
The federation wants green and red tape slashed, digital resources for farmers, investment in regional manufacturing and the Murray Darling Basin Plan fixed.
“When farmers do well, Australia does well,” Simson said ahead of the speech.
Simson says COVID-19 is a chance for businesses to become more flexible, with Australia having the potential to be a global leader when it comes to a post-COVID economic recovery.
“The obvious place for that recovery to start is in the bush,” Simson said.
But the regionalisation of Australia’s economy will need national coordination.
“Fragmented sources of public and private investment have no coordinating strategy at the regional level,” Simson said.
The farming lobby wants a $1 billion fund to entice farmers to meet biodiversity targets.
Simson is also asking the government to fast track 20 regional infrastructure projects.
