So far feedback has been good, with one group of city dwellers telling me that now when they think of farming or farmers they think of food. A further comment was this had led to a change in their thinking, with a realisation we are actually quite important to them, and not just people out to make money at the expense of the environment or animals.
That shift in thinking is on the back of honest and open dialogue about how we as farmers are striving for basically the same things as urban NZ when it comes to water quality, animal welfare, the environment, our kids' education, health and wellbeing, all tied in with a satisfying, invigorating lifestyle - although for some struggling with a wet spring and biosecurity stresses a lifestyle slightly less invigorating would be good right now!
One of the things that attracted me to Federated Farmers years ago - and was a motivating factor to putting my hand up to be your National President - was the collective power of our voluntary membership.
With our grassroots base, and ability to interact with the government, councils and myriad agencies at national level, we can do great things when we pull together and act with purpose.
I encourage vigorous debate but it's important that as much as is possible the Federation speaks with one voice and that we promote sensible, practical and affordable (to steal Chris Allen's mantra) policies and solutions. In the words of William Rolleston 'we need to be both credible and visible'.
We've certainly been able to use our clout as a respected voice for New Zealand farmers - not to mention the expertise of our policy team - in the last few weeks.
We've played a leadership role in getting the sector groups together over the mycoplasma bovis outbreak (see page 5); our staff have been busy in co-ordination and response actions in the wake of the storms and flooding in Canterbury, Otago (and earlier BOP), with our Adverse Events and feedline 0800 number once again proving its worth, and the political parties have clearly regarded us as a major player as they have formulated and espoused their policies on topics such as immigration, the environment and charging for water.
We certainly can't let up on that advocacy role on political fronts whatever hue of government takes the reins after September 23.
I - and the members of the Board and the national staff - are committed to providing your province, and you as a Federated Farmers member, with professional and timely support.
Policy responsibilities (portfolios) for National Board members were recently allocated, matching the organisation's policy priorities for 2017/18, which were reaffirmed by the survey feedback provided by the National Council in February.
Given the current situation in South Canterbury it is fitting that biosecurity is in the top three priorities identified!
Lastly I would like to thank William, Anders and Rick for all their efforts during their time as board members. There is nothing better to encourage someone into taking up a leadership role than having inspiring leaders to work with and learn from along the way. I have had that privilege in working with you all.
