There was also strong criticism over the recurring issues of energy costs, the state of Victoria’s roads and infrastructure, and the lack of transparency on Murray-Darling Basin funding.
The Albanese Government has set aside $6.8 million in the federal budget to maintain international market access for agricultural goods over the next year.
The funding will help Australian officials contribute to global fair trade standards and ensure the smooth flow of goods, according to the 2025-26 budget papers released on Tuesday, March 25.
“These functions support the stability of Australia’s international agricultural trade position in a more uncertain geopolitical and international trading environment,” the regional ministerial statement said.
Budget documents showed the production value of agriculture, fisheries and forestry was projected to be worth $98 billion in 2025-26 — the third highest on record — with about 70 per cent of goods exported.
Several independent agricultural industry outlooks have identified the red meat and wine sectors as having the highest exposure to possible export tariffs that could be introduced by US President Donald Trump.
The war in Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East and changing shipping routes due to piracy threats are further adding to international trading uncertainty.
The budget also set aside nearly $24 million over three years for regional trade events, including a doubling of funding for Beef Australia to $12 million.
VFF president Brett Hosking said while investments into rural childcare facilities and the commitment to develop a National Food Security Strategy was welcome, overall it was an underwhelming budget for Victorian farmers.
“In this election year, we must see major investments into fixing our crumbling rural road network and ensuring there’s adequate resources to manage the renewable energy transition,” Mr Hosking said.
Federal Nationals leader David Littleproud said there was absolutely nothing in this budget for regional Australia, other than more cuts.
“Labor has no new funding for the Stronger Communities program, Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, Growing Regions program and the Regional Precincts and Partnership program, critical to building community infrastructure in regional Australia,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Labor has again deferred $190 million in funding for Paradise Dam, Hughenden Irrigation Scheme and Big Rocks Weir, while hiding the cost of its Murray-Darling Basin Plan.”
National Farmers’ Federation president David Jochinke said this was a chance for the Federal Government to back Australian agriculture and give the economy a much-needed shot in the arm.
“While we acknowledge some new funding targeting the sector — especially the $3.5 million for a National Food Security Strategy, a key election ask — the budget falls well short of the investment needed to unlock agriculture’s full potential,” Mr Jochinke said.
“Farmers are grappling with major geopolitical, environmental and societal shifts.
“We need a sharper focus from government to ensure we keep farmers farming, and keep food affordable for Aussie families.
“As we shift into election gear, the NFF is strapped in and focused on the road ahead. We will make sure agriculture’s needs don’t fall off the back and into a pothole.”
Mr Jochinke said trade was a worthy focus for the agriculture portfolio, and showed the government was listening to farmers’ increasing concerns about the changing trade environment.
“Farmers export about 70 per cent of what they produce, so undoubtedly any threats to market access are top of mind.”
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