According to the NFF, CAG is an unincorporated group with members including Auscott Ltd, Twynam Pty Ltd, Australian Food and Fibre Ltd, PrimeAg Australia Ltd, Paraway Pastoral Fund, Wyalong Rural Investments, Warakirri Agricultural Trusts and Clyde Agriculture Pty Ltd.

The NFF’s new membership model came into effect on July 1 this year, which it says will result in "wider representation, better engagement through the whole agricultural supply chain and an even stronger focus on evidence-based research and policy development".

NFF president David Crombie said that CAG brings significant expertise to the NFF’s national policy settings.

"The new structure ensures unity of purpose across the whole of the Australian farm sector," he said.

"It harnesses the collective strength of farmers – small, medium and large – through the traditional state-based and commodity-specific member bodies, which is now being bolstered by the new associate member category.

"Agribusiness involvement through the associate member category enables important players in agriculture to bring their experiences and insights to the NFF."

Associate members are fully involved in NFF’s business but limited as a block to no more than a 40 per cent stake in voting rights.

Speaking on behalf of CAG, Clyde Agriculture managing director John McKillop said the group saw benefit in being able to engage directly on national policy issues, such as climate change, water, tax and infrastructure.

"These issues affect all farmers and will continue to impact our businesses for the foreseeable future," Mr McKillop said.

"The NFF is a respected and highly-effective lobbying and advocacy body.

"It is enhancing its emphasis on policy development and we very much want to be part of that future."