Background
The National Farmers' Federation was established in 1979 and is the single, national voice for Australian agriculture.

It is a federation of Australian farm organisations representing approximately 120,000 farm enterprises through 29 affiliated organisations. The Federation is made up of State farm organisations, commodity councils, associates and affiliates. NFF does not have individual farmer members. Farmers contribute to their State farm organisations and the national commodity councils which fund NFF.

Under NFF's structure, State farm organisations are responsible for State issues; national commodity councils are responsible for national, commodity-specific issues, and NFF is responsible for international and national issues which affect more than one State or more than one commodity.

With agricultural products earning 21 per cent of Australia's export income, NFF represents a vital export sector. The successes achieved by NFF and our member organisations are the result of farmers working together to develop a strong national industry position.

Our aim is to create the most favourable economic environment for rural industries to operate and prosper and to maximise returns to farmers.

NFF's priorities are the broad national issues - the economy, industrial relations, transport, trade, the environment, research and development, quarantine and animal health, aboriginal affairs, and education. NFF also takes a leading role in projecting the importance of agriculture to the national economy.

Our work involves regular contact with the Federal Government and the Opposition, Parliamentary and other committees of inquiry, the Commonwealth Public Service, senior public servants, business, other industry groups, community organisations and the media. NFF has close working links with all of these groups but also recognises the need for effective communication with the whole community.

NFF is based in Canberra and is supported by a full-time secretariat.

Objectives
The objectives of the NFF are to:

1. Promote the development of the agricultural, pastoral, fishing and forestry industrial resources of Australia;
2. Represent all rural industries and farmers in Australia by acting as the single unified policy forum at the national level;
3. Carry out such activities as are necessary for the betterment of rural industries with concern for the livelihood of the farming community generally;
4. Collect and disseminate information concerning rural industries;
5. Cooperate with appropriate organisations at the State level and overseas;
6. Maintain a high level of liaison and cooperation with its member bodies, all government departments and authorities at federal and State levels, with local government, and with relevant industry organisations.

BIOGRAPHY
David Crombie
National Farmers' Federation President

Mr David Crombie was elected President of the National Farmers’ Federation at the NFF Annual Policy Council Meeting in Canberra, in June 2006.

Mr Crombie brings over 30 years commercial and representational experience in agriculture to his role as President.

Early in his career, Mr Crombie joined Sir William Gunn (now GRM International), managing agricultural projects across northern Australia. Under his leadership, GRM expanded to include breeding properties, irrigation farms, feed mills, live export and meat supply chains supported by feedlots internationally. GRM also managed beef breeding properties for independent investors in Australia. After the sale of GRM by the partners to the Consolidated Group in 1994, Mr Crombie continued as Managing Director until 2000.

From 1995 Mr Crombie served on the Board of Grainco Australia until its amalgamation with Graincorp. He then joined the board of Meat Industry Council and served as inaugural Chairman of the National Steering Committee for Meat Standards Australia. He later joined the board of the newly established MLA, serving as Chairman from 1998 to 2005.

Currently, Mr Crombie holds the following positions:

• Chairman, Australian Rural Leadership Foundation
• Director GRM and Rosewood (NT beef)
• Deputy Chairman, FKP (listed development company)
• President, Queensland Rugby Union

Mr Crombie operates family properties, breeding and finishing cattle, as well as growing crops in southern Queensland.