THE VFF holds a positive outlook for Victorian agriculture in 2008.

Weather patterns of the last month have given us a reminder it can still rain, and a good season should be had across most of Victoria.

The commodity markets, particularly grain and dairy retain a strong outlook; wool and the red meat markets are holding their ground.

Horticulture also looks to have a reasonable year ahead providing a good water allocation and minimal carry over damage from this year’s low watering.

On the policy front, the main game from all levels of government will be climate change and emissions trading schemes.

The focus on these issues is driving government policy and program formulation and the farm sector cannot ignore. It has been said that whatever the impact of climate change on agriculture it will not be as large as the impact of government policy to address climate change.

Negotiations on the National Plan for Water Security will recommence.

The VFF has not changed its position and will not support a full referral of water management powers to the Commonwealth.

Land management issues will entail a continuation of the push to allow aerial baiting of wild dogs, weed control on public land, and effort to have the Government fulfil the responsibilities of a good neighbor.

The River Red Gum Report and the final recommendations from the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council will be contentious when handed down next April.

The issues around local government rates are likely to come to a head in 2008 as a revaluation is fed into the rating system, and we will continue to push for a more equitable rating system.

The VFF is convinced rural confidence levels will return in 2008.