Too much: The Victorian Farmers Federation says council rates for farmers are too high.
THE Victorian Farmers Federation has lashed out at municipalities saying their rates are too high and unfairly.
VFF President Peter Tuohey said farmers are paying excessively more than their share in rates, with some farmers paying up to $20,000 plus to local government.
"Of the municipal rates paid by business in regional Victoria, farmers contribute nearly half. Considering farming makes up about 12.5 per cent of the regional economy this is vastly unfair and must be rectified," he said.
A City of Ballarat spokesperson said the City of Ballarat had worked hard to ensure rates are charged fairly across all rate categories and farming land remains at the lowest rate of all council's differential rating categories.
"There are 715 farms within the City of Ballarat municipal boundaries," they said.
"The average rate for those farms for 2012/13 is $1794.
"Farming land within the City of Ballarat is rated at 70 per cent of the residential rate.
"Farmers are also able to claim a tax deduction on their rates."
The VFF has released a report available on their website comparing the capacity to earn revenue between regional and metropolitan shires.