General News
12 August, 2026
Farmers urged to make their voices heard
THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has encouraged farmers and regional Victorians to have their say in the second annual State of the State: Victorian Farmer Priorities survey, in what’s shaping as a regional temperature check ahead of November’s Victorian State Election.
The survey aims to capture the issues, challenges and opportunities facing Victorian agriculture, providing a state-wide snapshot of farmer sentiment in every corner of Victoria.
VFF president Ryan Milgate said the survey would ensure the priorities of farmers and regional communities were front and centre as political parties develop policies and make commitments in the lead-up to the election.
“Victoria’s farmers are facing no shortage of challenges, from the woefully wrong Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund and the battle to protect farming land through to our dangerous and decrepit rural roads,” he said.
“We are also looking for practical solutions that help farmers continue producing the food and fibre our state depends on.
“Over the next few months we’ll hear plenty of promises from politicians, but it’s vital those promises reflect the realities facing farming businesses and regional communities.
“This survey gives farmers the opportunity to tell us what’s changed over the past year, what’s improved, what’s become more difficult and what they want to see from the next state government.”
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Last year’s inaugural State of the State survey attracted more than 700 responses from people across regional Victoria, providing one of the most comprehensive snapshots of farmer sentiment undertaken by the VFF.
The survey found nine in ten farmers didn’t believe the state government understood local issues or had a positive plan to grow the industry.
Farmers also outlined increases to the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, the state of regional roads, maintaining a biosecurity safety net and steamrolling of renewable energy infrastructure developments as their top issues.
“Last year’s feedback painted a picture of absolute frustration from regional Victorians,” Mr Milgate said.
“One year on, it will be interesting to check that sentiment again.”
The survey will be open until Thursday, August 20 and can be found at www.vff.org.au.