GrainGrowers continues to call on government for assurances that the Fuel Tax Credit Scheme is maintained to ensure our farmers continue to produce sustainable, clean, and nutritious grain.
Governments charge road users a fuel excise to fund road maintenance. The Fuel Tax Credit Scheme ensures that the fuel used in paddocks to produce food does not carry the burden of funding for roads these vehicles are not using. It helps ensure farmers aren’t disadvantaged as they work to produce essential goods.
“The Fuel Tax Credit Scheme is critically important to ensuring Australians continue to enjoy some of the most sustainable and nutritious bread, pasta and grain products in the world” said Brett Hosking, GrainGrowers Chair.
“Leading into the October Federal Budget, we call on the Albanese Government to guarantee the continuation of the Fuel Tax Credit Scheme and support Australian growers.The Scheme is extremely important to agriculture and recognises the majority of diesel use on our farms occurs away from our roads.”
“GrainGrowers most recent survey showed 97% of farmers consider the Fuel Tax Credit Scheme generates a positive impact on the sector’s sustainability and profitability. At a time when farmers are responding and adapting to climatic challenges, GrainGrowers strongly supports the continuation of the Scheme in its current form and is concerned by media reports it may be used as a bargaining chip.”
“Any changes to the Scheme would result in higher costs and lessen the ability of farmers to produce food and adapt to, and indeed be at the forefront of Australia’s response to, climate change.”