The Nationals' 2025 agriculture policy funds a $1bn BioShield for biosecurity, caps Murray-Darling environmental flows at 3200 GL and offers a 50% write-off for farm robotics.
Biosecurity funding boost
The Nationals' agriculture policy prioritizes strengthening Australia's biosecurity defenses through the establishment of a dedicated $1 billion BioShield fund. This represents the most significant investment in agricultural biosecurity protection in Australian history.
Recent biosecurity threats including foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in Indonesia, varroa mite detection in NSW, and ongoing African swine fever concerns across Asia have highlighted the vulnerability of Australia's agricultural sector to exotic pests and diseases.
BioShield implementation framework
- $1bn 10-year BioShield fund via levy on ag cargo: Industry-funded approach with importers and exporters contributing
- Mandatory on-farm biosecurity plans by 2028: All commercial farms required to have certified biosecurity protocols
- Restoration of live-export trade routes: Overturn Labor's 2028 phase-out of live sheep exports
- Enhanced border surveillance: Increased funding for detection technology and quarantine facilities
The BioShield levy structure applies a charge of $0.01 per kilogram equivalent on all agricultural imports and exports, spreading the cost across the entire supply chain while ensuring those who benefit from trade contribute to protection measures.
Nationals Biosecurity Strategy
Biosecurity funding trend 2020-2030
Budget allocations vs BioShield top-ups
Murray-Darling & water rights
The Nationals propose significant reform to Murray-Darling Basin water policy, arguing that current environmental flow targets damage agricultural communities without delivering proportional environmental benefits. The policy centers on capping water recovery at current Basin Plan targets.
The Murray-Darling Basin produces 40% of Australia's agricultural output, supporting $24 billion in annual production across 77,000 farm businesses. The Nationals argue that excessive water recovery for environmental flows threatens the economic viability of irrigated agriculture.
Water policy reform framework
- Scrap voluntary water buy-backs: End government purchases of water entitlements from willing sellers
- Staged rollout of off-farm efficiency grants: Fund infrastructure improvements to reduce delivery losses
- Cap environmental flows at 3200 GL target: Prevent further water recovery beyond Basin Plan requirements
- Modernize delivery infrastructure: Reduce evaporation and seepage through channel upgrades
The policy shifts from water buybacks to infrastructure investment, arguing this approach delivers water savings without removing productive capacity from farming communities.
Digital ag & regional jobs
The Nationals' agriculture policy embraces technological transformation through substantial tax incentives for on-farm technology adoption and targeted visa programs to address rural labor shortages. The policy aims to position Australian agriculture as a global leader in agricultural technology.
Agricultural technology and workforce initiatives
The Nationals' digital agriculture strategy combines substantial tax incentives with targeted workforce programs to accelerate technology adoption across Australian farms. These measures address both capital investment barriers and skilled labor shortages in rural areas.
- 50% instant write-off for on-farm robotics & sensors: Immediate tax deduction for eligible agricultural technology purchases up to $250,000 per farm business
- Subsidy for satellite broadband upgrades: Government support for high-speed internet connectivity in rural areas to enable precision agriculture
- Regional visa pilot—10k ag-tech workers per year: Specialized visa category for agricultural technology specialists to work in regional Australia
- Skills training partnerships: Collaboration with universities and TAFE institutes to develop agricultural technology expertise
Technology adoption incentives
The agricultural technology package includes:
- Precision agriculture equipment: GPS guidance systems, variable rate applicators, yield mapping technology
- Livestock monitoring systems: RFID tracking, automated weighing systems, health monitoring sensors
- Crop monitoring technology: Drone surveillance, satellite imagery analysis, soil moisture sensors
- Automated machinery: Robotic harvesters, autonomous tractors, automated irrigation systems
Water recovery compared to 3200 GL cap
Actual vs cap by 2030
Policy Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions
The Nationals' 2025 agriculture policy represents a comprehensive approach to strengthening Australian farming through enhanced biosecurity, reformed water policy, and accelerated technology adoption. The emphasis on industry-funded solutions and productivity improvements reflects the party's market-oriented approach to agricultural challenges.
For more information on rural and regional policies, explore the Nationals Party profile or compare policies across the policy comparison dashboard.