Next government must deliver for agriculture

Over the course of these forums, hundreds of farmers have heard from and questioned 40 candidates (major and minor parties and independents) across the state.

This is on top off VFF members who have taken up the challenge to bail up their candidates and demand they deliver for agriculture in their electorates and regions.

We know that our demands and the pressure exerted by VFF members have had an impact – as we’ve seen from the bipartisan commitment to a review of Victoria’s broken rating system.

And as our updated state election scorecard released last week showed, there are some positive signs on our key election asks.

Importantly, our strong campaign means that when election day rolls around on Saturday, the parties and candidates will have no excuses for not knowing precisely what farmers expect of them.

We’ve said throughout the campaign that we need a long term vision for agriculture which acknowledges the vital contribution agriculture makes to our state.

That applies up until election day and beyond, for whoever forms government after Saturday.

Farmers have said enough is enough. They deserve a fair and equitable rates system, fit-for-purpose roads, safe and healthy workplaces, reliable and safe energy and telecommunications infrastructure and action on rural crime.

For too long Victoria’s farmers have had to make do without many of the infrastructure and services a lot of city dwelling Victorians take for granted. They make do, all while producing and delivering food and fibre to the value of more than $13 billion to the state, country and world.

The 59th state government of Victoria will assume office on the condition that they deliver for agriculture.

Victoria’s farmers, our VFF members, will be holding them to account on this, ensuring what they’ve committed to is delivered, and more. We encourage our members to vote wisely on Saturday and we look forward to the first 100 days of the new government.