Foreign Farm Sale Sparks Calls for Review

 The National Farmers' Federation is calling for a review of the approval process behind the sale of Tasmania's largest farm, arguing questions remain over whether Australian buyers were placed at a disadvantage.

The 22,000-hectare Rushy Lagoon property has been sold to a United Kingdom-based forestry investor, with the deal approved by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.

NFF Chief Executive Mike Guerin says the federation wants greater transparency around how the sale was assessed, including a review of the CEFC's investment mandate and whether appropriate safeguards were in place to manage potential conflicts of interest.

He says the federation is particularly concerned that a CEFC director also sits on the Foreign Investment Review Board, which independently assesses foreign investment proposals, and says it is important the decision-making process maintains public confidence.

Mr Guerin says Australian farmers should have a greater say in decisions involving productive agricultural land, warning the industry must strike the right balance between emissions reduction, food security and farm profitability.

The NFF has also echoed TasFarmers' concerns that the outcome does not reflect the wishes of the overwhelming majority of Tasmanians surveyed on the property's future.