Farmers Want Policy, Not Pork

Tasmania’s peak farming body, TasFarmers, is today releasing its bold long-term vision for the state, calling on all political parties to commit to strategic policy that supports the growth and sustainability of agriculture.

TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman said that with agriculture aiming to increase its farmgate value to $10 billion by 2050, the peak body is urging parties and candidates to move beyond the short term and instead adopt clear, forward-thinking measures to strengthen the sector.

"Our members are telling us they want to see strategic policy adopted in a bipartisan fashion that will make it easier for primary producers to do business and reflect the scale of opportunity agriculture presents for Tasmania, not pork barrelling" Mr Calman said.

"The policy platform outlines key reforms across multiple areas, including local government rates, invasive species management, freight, and workforce development.

"This election platform makes it really easy for political parties to understand the needs of the agricultural sector, and it gives a policy framework that will be attractive to that sector, as they consider who is best placed to lead us in the next government.

"It’s practical, strategic, and focused on delivering outcomes that drive job creation, build workforce capability, and strengthen regional communities. There should be no confusion about what the sector needs moving forward," said Mr Calman.

Mr Calman also highlighted the importance of stability in the next parliament, noting that after four elections in seven years, this is the election nobody wanted.

"Business confidence is wavering, and Tasmania needs a parliament whether majority or minority; that is capable of working together and delivering on its promises. Voters expect their representatives to focus on outcomes for the state, not political games," Mr Calman said.

TasFarmers will distribute the platform to all major parties and crossbenchers, asking for formal responses within two weeks. A scorecard assessing each party’s alignment with the sector’s needs will then be released to inform voter decision-making.

"This is a hand-up, not a handout. Our industry is the backbone of the Tasmanian economy. We’re asking for a policy that strengthens that foundation so we can continue to grow," Mr Calman said.

Download the full platform to explore our roadmap for reform.