The Victorian Farmers Federation is calling for several big issues to be addressed, including a commitment to implement a fair and equitable rates system, $6.2 billion for fit-for-purpose roads, $155 million for a long-term energy plan, $600 million for improved telecommunications and a science-based, practical approach to regulation.

VFF president David Jochinke said candidate responses to calls to deliver for agriculture had left a lot to be desired.

“It’s all well and good to announce localised projects and upgrades that tinker around the edges but we are after big-ticket commitments and genuine vision.

“VFF is sick of the lack of long-term vision from politicians for a sector which contributes more than $13 billion to Victoria’s economy, and we’re sick of the political in-fighting.

“If farmers behaved the way some of our political leaders do at work, Victorians and Australians wouldn’t eat. There would be no food or fibre to squabble over. We need decent roads, and we need a fair rates system which doesn’t threaten to rate farmers out of existence. We need a long-term energy plan and we need access to proper healthcare and telecommunications.”