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Farmers are demanding a reversal of plans to ban live sheep exports, amid fears the federal government is falling victim to the "misinformation of radical activists".
That's despite the Albanese government's repeated commitment to phase out the live trade of sheep by sea, with an independent panel due to report by September on how and when that will be done.
A two-day meeting of the National Farmers Federation members council to set industry policy included representations from the various agricultural sectors.
Federation president Fiona Simson said the entire industry remained united in its opposition to the phase-out of live sheep exports, with members reiterating their stance to both the agricultural and trade ministers who attended the meeting.
"Our members from every industry, and every part of the country remain gravely concerned about this policy," Ms Simson said.
"Every part of the farm sector is nervous that a government could fall victim to the ideology and misinformation of radical activists rather than back farmers and simply act on the evidence," she said.
The council also wants a long-term, nationally co-ordinated approach to address Australia's regional housing shortage, including a speedier process for planning approvals.
"Regional communities are hurting with vacancy rates below one per cent," Ms Simson said.
"This is paralysing farmers' ability to attract and retain workers."
On Tuesday Agriculture Minister Murray Watt told the members council that climate change and sustainability, biosecurity, workforce needs and trade were among his government's top priorities for the industry.
"These are some of our major focus areas for 2023 as we continue our work to protect Australian agriculture, remain productive in a changing climate, have the human resources to get the job done and grow the pie," Senator Watt said.
