Farm viability and food security

Fruit Basket Food Security
Farm viability and food security feature

Food security in Australia is increasingly under pressure from market forces that affect farm viability across the supply chain. 

Farmers are facing rising input costs and government and supermarket policies that make doing business more challenging. Similarly, competition for agricultural land is increasing with population growth and infrastructure development impacting farm land. Despite these pressures, Queensland agriculture has the opportunity to strengthen its role in supporting regional communities and securing reliable food and fibre production for consumers.

QFF advocates for stronger support mechanisms to ensure the long-term growth, competitiveness and profitability of farm businesses. Queensland produces world class food, fibre and foliage - but we cannot rest on our laurels and must safeguard Queensland agriculture for future generations.

Our areas of focus

Supporting farm safety and transition

Our focus is to:

  • advocate for investment in farm safety initiatives that prioritise education, prevention and capacity building, not just compliance
  • encourage government to introduce a rebate program to help farmers transition to side-by-side vehicles and install rollover protection on farm vehicles.

Improving market transparency

Our focus is to:

  • work alongside our members to enhance transparency in the agriculture supply chain for input products such as chemicals, similar to supermarket transparency initiatives

Ensuring fair and consistent local government rating

Our focus is to:

  • encourage adoption of the Guideline on Equity and Fairness in Rating for Queensland Local Governments to promote consistent, best practice rating principles across the state and deliver fair outcomes for farmers.

Our farm viability and food security team

Photo of Adam Knapp

Adam Knapp

General Manager - Policy and Projects

E adam@qff.org.au

P 07 3837 4734

Photo of Samuel Laffer

Samuel Laffer

Policy Officer - Agriculture

E samuel@qff.org.au

P 07 3837 4708

Photo of Adam Knapp

Adam Knapp

General Manager - Policy and Projects

adam@qff.org.au 07 3837 4734

Adam Knapp is QFF’s General Manager for Policy and Projects, leading the strategic development and delivery of policy initiatives that strengthen Queensland’s agricultural sector.

With more than 25 years’ experience across government, industry and research, Adam combines critical analysis, policy expertise and stakeholder engagement to address complex issues in sustainable agriculture, biosecurity, water management, climate change and natural resource management. He provides high-level policy advice to QFF’s CEO, Board and members, and oversees a diverse portfolio of projects and staff working across Queensland.

Adam’s work includes driving legislative submissions, shaping QFF’s advocacy priorities, and building partnerships that deliver practical, future-focused solutions for farmers and rural communities. Prior to joining QFF, he held roles with the National Native Title Tribunal, Seafood Services Australia, Harrods and Ernst & Young in London.

Adam holds qualifications in behavioural science, political science and leadership.

Photo of Samuel Laffer

Samuel Laffer

Policy Officer - Agriculture

samuel@qff.org.au 07 3837 4708