NFF responds to food price hikes

National Farmers Federation (NFF) president Fiona Simson.

National Farmers Federation (NFF) president Fiona Simson has made a statement regarding the rising inflated costs of food prices.

Ms Simson said that inflation numbers, released on July 27, revealed the pinch that consumers have been feeling when checking out at the supermarket.

“Food and beverages are the fourth highest inflation category over the past 12 months at 5.9 per cent,“ Ms Simson said.

“When we look specifically at fruit and vegetables, these have seen a whopping 5.8 per cent spike in the last quarter alone.“

She added while much of this spike is driven by the short-term impacts of flooding, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has also pointed to more structural supply chain and cost factors, including the cost of fertilisers, transport and labour availability.

“These challenges faced by farmers are hitting the hip pocket of all Australians.“

“The Albanese Government needs to look urgently at these farm-gate issues that are making it harder for Australians to put food on the table.

“Workforce solutions are within the Government’s control and should be top priority.“

Ms Simson mentioned there is an urgent need for suitable visa pathways to welcome overseas workers to keep them safe on-farm.

“To be marked a success, the upcoming Jobs & Skills Summit must produce a viable alternative to the Ag Visa,“ she said.

“Failure to do so will guarantee lower farm output and higher prices, adding to the pain already caused by repeated flood events.“