The Cost of Climate Change at the Checkout

Category: News

The Cost of Climate Change at the Checkout

May 20, 2025

Australians are paying more at the checkout for essentials like fruit, vegetables, beef, bread and coffee — and climate change is a key reason why. A new report released by Farmers for Climate Action brings together compelling evidence that climate impacts are pushing up food prices through their effects on supply and global markets. “The

Agricultural Sustainability Australia Exchange 2025

May 7, 2025

Be part of the future of Australian agriculture. The 2025 Agricultural Sustainability Australia Exchange is set for 23 September at the stunning Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, offering a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate and contribute. Held in partnership with the National Farmers Federation AgXchange Australia (24 – 25 September), the Agricultural Sustainability Australia

AASF Data Ecosystem Design Final Report

March 20, 2025

“From Anarchy to Order”, the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework (AASF) is excited to release the latest report for the AASF Data Ecosystem, prepared by CSIRO on behalf of the National Farmers Federation and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. As the Australian agricultural industry gears towards documenting and reporting sustainability outcomes, a key challenge in

AASF Community of Practice Online Exchange

March 18, 2025

Registrations are open for our next Community of Practice Online Exchange. We are excited to announce our next Community of Practice Exchange will be held on Monday 14 April 2025 from 2 – 4pm AEST. This event is online only and will include a discussion on findings from the AASF Data Ecosystem Project and our most

Webinar Now Live – Consultation Opportunities on Agricultural Sustainability 

February 17, 2025

The Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework consultation paper is seeking stakeholder input to refine the Framework’s principles, criteria, and indicators, ensuring it remains aligned with national and international sustainability standards while addressing emerging priorities and strengthening Australia’s position as a global leader in sustainable agriculture. We have released a short Webinar on the AASF website, to

Agricultural Sustainability Exchange TED Talks

February 10, 2025

Background On December 4th 2024, the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Exchange was convened at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, bringing together leaders from across the agricultural sector to discuss sustainability initiatives. The sold-out event welcomed more than 130 attendees to hear from a passionate group of speakers supporting nature positive initiatives, improved trade relationships, and the

Sustainability in Australian Agriculture Consultation Process

January 24, 2025

Background Agricultural sustainability is increasingly a key factor in global trade and market access. Two key initiatives, the Assuring Sustainability Claims Working Group (ASCWG) and the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework (AASF), represent collaborative efforts to address the challenges to demonstrate sustainable practices and align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. Together, these initiatives aim

Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework Consultation

December 16, 2024

The consultation process for AASF has been completed and the synthesis of feedback is now available. Development of the AASF has been focused on ensuring the Framework is fit-for-purpose and continually meets the needs of the Australian agricultural industry. Stakeholder feedback is now invited through a Consultation Paper to guide the Framework’s transition into a

Australian Agricultural Sustainability Exchange 2024

December 3, 2024

We are very excited to come together and discuss the opportunities and challenges for sustainability in agriculture, both within Australian and internationally. A finalised agenda is now available for the Exchange, bringing together a diverse group of leaders from across Australia’s agricultural sector. Speakers Our speakers have a wealth of knowledge and experience in policy

Formation of the AASF Advisory Committee

November 25, 2024

We are excited to announce the formation of the Advisory Committee for the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework (AASF). A large number of expressions of interest were received for the Advisory Committee, and following an evaluation of the applicant’s experience against the Terms of Reference and the outlined skills and competencies, eight members have been selected.

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The Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework is funded by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry through the National Agriculture Traceability Grants Program. Project delivery is led by the National Farmers' Federation. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. © The Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework. Copyright of National Farmers Federation.

Andrew Skinner

Director

More Than Machines

Andrew is an accomplished technology leader with over 25 years experience delivering cutting-edge solutions across diverse industries, including media, utilities, defence, manufacturing, health, and agrifood.  He possesses extensive expertise in international agri-food technology ecosystems, and is a trusted advisor to industry organisations, supply chain entities, researchers, startups, and governments. Andrew founded the technology consultancy More Than Machines, where he assists agrifood organisations, startups, researchers, and governments in developing digital strategies, policies and technology solutions that leverage data and AI to optimise their land, production, markets, and products.  Previously, as Chief Data Officer at Meat and Livestock Australia, he developed and implemented the Australian Red Meat industry data strategy and digital supply chain research programs, demonstrably increasing productivity, product quality, and enabling new market opportunities through targeted digital technology implementation. 

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Anna Hooper

Director, Economic & Environmental Policy

Australian Grape & Wine Inc.

Anna is a wine industry professional since the late 90’s, working in vineyard management and winemaking both in Australia and overseas, and later as General Manager of a premium, sustainability focused, wine producer in South Australia. She has been a non-executive director on private and government boards in the fields of biosecurity, natural resource management and grape and wine business and currently sits on the board of Landcare Australia. Immediately prior to the formation of Australian Grape and Wine she gained experience in national advocacy as Chief Executive Officer of Australian Vignerons. Having worked across a broad range of roles, including practical hands-on industry experience, she is well placed in her role to promote the best interests of the sector on domestic policy issues relating to environmental and economic sustainability. She is leading the project on carbon emissions traceability that is the focus of the presentation. 

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Dr. Melindee Hastie

Research Fellow (Meat, Food & Sensory Science)

Agriculture Victoria

Melindee is a Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystems Science, where she focusses on the consumer defined opportunity for sustainable food production. Melindee has over 20 years’ experience in R&D leadership for academia and international FMCGs such as Cadbury, Kraft, and Mondelez. 

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Warwick Ragg

General Manager NRM

National Farmers Federation

Warwick was raised on a farm in the NSW Southern Highlands and has almost 30 years experience in rural and regional advocacy. Prior to joining NFF Warwick had been working in the Commonwealth Government in stakeholder engagement roles and had previously spent a decade with NSW Farmers’ Association and a further decade as chief executive of Australian Forest Growers.

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Adam Fennessy PSM

Secretary

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry

Adam has over 25 years of public sector experience at state and federal levels. His former roles have included Secretary of the Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Secretary of the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning, the Victorian Public Sector Commissioner and Dean & CEO of the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG). Adam has worked in the private sector as a partner with global advisory firm Ernst & Young.

Adam is an IPAA National Fellow and previously served on the board of IPAA Victoria. In 2018, he received a Public Service Medal (PSM) for leadership in the Victorian public sector.

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Neil McSkimming

Senior Policy Officer, Export Development

Agriculture Victoria

Neil is a Senior Policy Officer providing advice on international market access, trade and capability building to grow the state’s agricultural industry. 

His career has a balance of government and private industry experience including eight years at Coles Supermarkets where he was Responsible Sourcing Manager transforming the animal welfare and sustainable production credentials for its own brand products. 

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David Jochinke

President

National Farmers Federation

David, commonly referred to as ‘DJ’, is a third generation dryland mixed farmer. DJ operates his family’s property at Murra Warra in the Wimmera, Victoria, producing various broadacre crops and finishing prime lambs. He has been heavily involved at all levels of farmer advocacy since finishing his Diploma of Applied Science (Ag Services) at Longerenong College. DJ was elected as President of the National Farmers’ Federation in October 2023 after serving as Vice President and Director for numerous years.

DJ is a past recipient of a Nuffield Australia Scholarship and Australian Rural Leadership Program and is an active contributor to his local community.

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