DECISIONS by the federal government to establish a fertiliser taskforce and defer phased transition to full cost recovery for export regulatory services have been welcomed by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF).
The phased transition to full cost recovery for export regulatory services has been put back until 1 July 2027, having originally been due to begin on 1 July 2026.
NFF president Hamish McIntyre said the package of measures provides welcome breathing space for farmers and exporters.
“These are practical decisions we’ve called for that will deliver more certainty for farmers and exporters at a time when margins are under real pressure,” Mr McIntyre said.
“It reflects the realities facing agriculture right now, including the difficulties in securing critical inputs like fertiliser, which are needed for food production.”
Mr McIntyre said the NFF had been strongly advocating on these issues as part of a broader push to reduce cost pressures across the supply chain.
“We have been clear that additional cost burdens, such as the full cost recovery plan, risk undermining competitiveness and confidence right across the agricultural sector. This decision is a direct response to those concerns,” he said.
He said the announcement would provide relief to most exporting industries, particularly those with tight margins.
The NFF said it would continue to engage with government on long-term cost recovery settings to ensure they remained fair, transparent and did not undermine agricultural competitiveness.
“The establishment of a fertiliser taskforce is an important step forward, and we look forward to being actively engaged as a taskforce member,” he said.
“We will continue to work with government on measures to address the impacts the conflict in the Middle East is having on farmers and food production. This includes reiterating our calls for an agriculture-specific plan.”