National Farmers Federation chief executive officer Tony Mahar has announced his resignation, moving to a new position next year as Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner – an independent role appointed by Federal Government, reporting to the Minister for Climate and Energy.

NFF CEO, Tony Mahar

He finishes in his current role at NFF in December.

Mr Mahar has provided a decade of service to NFF and the agriculture sector, after joining the national peak farm industry body in 2013 as general manager of trade and economics in 2013. He became CEO in 2016.

NFF president David Jochinke during his tenure, Mr Maher had strengthened NFF’s position as the leading national advocacy body for agriculture through his integrity, stakeholder management skills, and dedication to the industry.

“His passion, professionalism and approachability earned him respect across industry, government, and corporate partners, and we have greatly appreciated his leadership,” Mr Jochinke said.

Key achievements noted under Mr Mahar’s leadership have included:

• Leading the development of the NFF 2030 Roadmap together with former President Fiona Simson, which set a target of $100B farm gate value by 2030, gaining bipartisan support and industry-wide adoption
• Expanding NFF’s advocacy capacity through increased capacity, funding and growth in partnerships and government programs
• Working with the NFF Team to implement initiatives such as the Regional Tech Hub, AgCareerStart, and the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework, addressing industry challenges
• Broadening NFF’s membership to include all state farming groups, establishing the NFF Horticulture Council and integrating the Forestry and Seafood sectors, as well as farmer representative groups like Farmers for Climate Action and Queensland Farmers Federation into NFF.

Mr Mahar’s efforts have resulted in NFF’s growth from a small team to a staff of more than 40, with a broader membership base and a consolidated and stable financial position.

His ability to build and maintain relationships across the industry has established NFF as a key stakeholder for both government and industry bodies, Mr Jochinke said.

“It is a challenge to lead a national peak body, in this case bringing together all elements of our primary industries, and engaging effectively with supply chains both upstream and downstream, and I commend Tony’s professionalism, credibility, and determination in doing so,” Mr Jochinke said.

The NFF welcomed Minister Bowen and the Albanese Government’s recognition of the importance of getting improvements to the current challenges facing rural and regional communities, governments and the energy sector, as documented in the former Commissioner Andrew Dyer’s Report earlier in 2024.

The NFF board will begin the process of recruiting for a new CEO immediately.

Source: NFF