NFF cranks up reliance on government funds: $8m in project income

The National Farmers’ Federation earned almost four times as much from government and corporate projects, as it did from producers last financial year.

National Farmers' Federation president David Jochinke said projects allow the lobby group to deliver its policy work - in telecommunications, sustainability, workforce and competition.

The National Farmers Federation earned almost four times as much from government and corporate projects in 2023-24 as it did from its members, according to its latest annual report.

Project income has soared from $3.5 million four years ago to $7.9m in 2023-24, while farmer membership income stagnated at $1.9m.

National Farmers Federation membership versus project income.

A search of the Federal Government’s Austender site shows the NFF was awarded a three-year $6.6m contract in July 2023 to fund its Regional Tech Hub, which offers free internet and phone advice and shares in $5.5m of funding to run the AgCareersStart program.

Other 2023-24 programs include the Australian Agriculture Sustainability Framework, Australian Farm Data Code, Indigenous Agriculture Product Framework, National Horticulture Roadshow and On Farm Connectivity Information Project.

NFF president David Jochinke said that “while federal advocacy remains at the core of what we do, we have increasingly found ways to add value for our members and farmers through externally funded projects.

“These projects allow the NFF to directly contribute to the outcomes we’re seeking through our policy work - in areas like telecommunications, sustainability, workforce and competition.

“For example, our AgCAREERSTART gap year program has opened farm gates to over 180 young people, with 82 per cent planning to pursue a career in agriculture beyond the program.

“The Regional Tech Hub – a free service available to everyone in regional Australia – resolved more than 1,500 connectivity issues for telecommunications users in the past year.

“This is all part of our strategy to diversify our income sources and ensure we can sustainably deliver value to our members.”