THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) was established in 1979 as a lobby group to represent the aspirations of the agriculture sector.

Like all lobby groups it is only as powerful as the members it represents - that’s why membership is crucial to the power of political advocacy it can provoke.

The VFF represents a very diverse agriculture sector which includes dairy (UDV), livestock, grains, horticulture (incorporating flowers Victoria), chicken meat, eggs, and pigs.

Like all the individual sectors that the VFF covers, there must be ongoing change that reflects the improvements and changes within our industries, or risk becoming irrelevant. We all recognise that ‘change’ is sometimes met with resistance - particularly from an industry that has been considered quite conservative - but farming today is barely recognisable to the farming of old. Science and Technology are playing massive roles in our decision making and has led to much better outcomes across all agricultural sectors.

I caught up with VFF President Emma Germano, to get a snapshot of some of the changes that are happening at the VFF.

“Farmers are at the heart of the VFF, and our new membership options make it easier than ever to join Victoria’s largest agriculture and farming lobby group.”

 “It’s about making our membership options work for today’s farming needs.

“For the first time, members can easily personalise their membership by choosing between four new membership tiers, each offering a range of benefits best suited to them and their business.”

 “Fairness and inclusivity are the features of the VFF’s new memberships.

We must stand united together, on the top issues that affect us all.”

“Farmers are facing a real fight, whether it be transmission lines tearing up prime farming land, looming animal welfare legislation or the threat of water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin. We need your voice and there’s no better time to join us than now.”

 “There’s arguably never been a more important time to throw your support behind the VFF,” Ms Germano said.

MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE INFO:

Members have the options of choosing between:

Platinum: All-inclusive membership package, $1495 per year, excluding GST*

Gold: Includes a full VFF membership with workplace relations advice, $895 per year, ex GST*

Silver: Standard VFF Membership with full voting rights, $695 per year, ex GST*

Bronze: Best suited for associates, supporters of agriculture and associated industries.

There are a plethora of issues confronting agriculture, so what are the most pressing issues at the moment?

“Our advocacy priorities for the next two years have been selected after thorough consideration of both the threats to our industry and the opportunities for success.

“It is imperative that we confront these challenges head-on with a united front - not just as farmers, but as industry, government and community combined.

“These six key priorities are the cornerstone of our efforts:

•        Getting the transition to renewable energy right.

•        Fixing regional roads.

•        Maintaining animal health and welfare.

•        Protecting biosecurity and sustainability

•        Standing up for Victorian irrigation communities.

•        Making every farm safer.”

At a time when the governments seem intent on adding more and more red tape and hurdles to our businesses, and how we operate them - it’s just as well we have a voice to the decision makers.

It is obvious that we are spending more time in front of a computer doing due diligence and compliance and that is just another change to the way we do business.