The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed Mike Guerin as chief executive officer, marking a new chapter for Australia’s peak farm body at a critical time for the sector.

Mike says he steps into the role with a clear view of the pressures farmers, graziers and fishers are currently facing.

“Right now, Australian agriculture is being tested from all angles,” he says.

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“Conflict in the Middle East is disrupting global supply chains, driving up input costs and creating real uncertainty around access to fuel, fertiliser and freight.”

But while he admits the challenges are significant, so too, he says, is the sector’s track record of resilience.

“This industry has copped its fair share over the years, from droughts, floods and market shocks, yet it keeps turning up. That resilience is our backbone, but it shouldn’t be taken for granted.”

With reports a potential Australia–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) could be finalised within days, Mike made clear the NFF’s position.

“Farmers want a deal with the EU, but it has to stack up,” he said.

“No deal is better than a bad deal. And with everything going on globally, there couldn’t be worse timing to lock in an agreement which sells Australian agriculture short.”

Mike comes from being acting CEO of NSW Farmers and before that served for eight years as CEO of AgForce Queensland.

His career began with two decades in banking, culminating in corporate agribusiness, as managing director of Elders Rural Services.