Victorian farmers are facing growing pressure in reliable access to diesel and fertiliser, worsened by global disruptions from the escalating Middle East conflict, panic buying at the bowser, and sharply rising import costs.
The Allan Labor Government must take urgent action and secure reliable supplies before critical winter cropping and livestock feeding operations suffer.
Diesel and fertiliser are non-negotiable inputs for Victorian agriculture. Diesel powers tractors for planting, harvesting, and feed distribution, while fertiliser – particularly urea – is essential for crop establishment during the current seeding window. Disruptions at this time of year risk reduced yields, serious livestock welfare issues, and higher food prices for every Victorian family.
Recent events have made the threat far more acute. Panic buying and supply chain pressures have left some regional areas waiting weeks for diesel deliveries, hitting farms just as winter crop preparations reach their peak. Urea prices have surged nearly 30 per cent in the past month, with supplies tightening due to ongoing instability in the Strait of Hormuz – a vital route for much of Australia’s imported fertiliser.
Without secure access, farmers may be forced to scale back planting, or struggle to prepare and deliver balanced feed rations, turning what begins as a supply problem into immediate animal welfare and productivity emergencies.
“Victorian farmers cannot simply switch off production when inputs dry up. Agriculture operates every single day of the year,” Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Emma Kealy said.
“The Allan Labor Government must stop downplaying this crisis and start treating it with the urgency it demands.
“Labor’s inaction is leaving our farmers – and the food on every Victorian table – at serious risk.”
The Allan Government must immediately engage with the Commonwealth, fuel wholesalers, and fertiliser importers, to prioritise agriculture in supply allocations, and activate contingency measures. Farmers need assurances on diesel and fertiliser access, including essential industry status to protect them from competition with metropolitan panic buying.
Transparent contingency planning is also required for any prolonged global disruptions, so supply chains remain resilient when international markets tighten further.
“Victoria’s farmers feed our state and nation. They deserve far more than platitudes. They need real action to safeguard their operations, protect animal welfare, and secure our food supply,” Ms Kealy said.
“The Allan Labor Government can no longer take Victorian agriculture for granted. It is time to stand up for the people who put food on our tables before it is too late.”
