Federated Farmers president Bruce Wills has told its National Council meeting that this year's general election offers voters the clearest choice since 1984 on issues that concern farmers.
Mr Wills says the organisation is apolitical and plays the policy not the party.
He says the 2011 campaign offers the most party differentiations since 1984 and a number of significant policy announcements underline this.
Mr Wills says the Emissions Trading Scheme remains a hot issue.
"We are pleased by the pragmatism and common sense shown by some but remain in disbelief at the penalties others would impose on farming when mitigation options are few and the rest of the world is not following suit," he says.
Mr Wills also highlighted water and environmental issues.
He says farmers like the rest of the community also want good quality water and they expect to be treated equally when it comes to water management.
"It is frustrating that farmers are expected to reach a much higher standard than what is expected of business, councils of community in general."
Water is a catchment issue and solutions need to be community focussed, he says.
