Federated Farmers partnership with NZ Young Farmers begins

Matthew Herbert, James Lawn, Nick Brown and Jessie Waite. Joint membership starts

Federated Farmers is hoping a new deal with NZ Young Farmers will inject fresh blood into the organisation.

The rural advocacy group has instigated a special joint membership, which was launched at Fieldays last week.

The chief executive of NZ Young Farmers, Terry Copeland, believes the deal will benefit both organisations.

He said young farmers who join Federated Farmers will be able to keep building their leadership skills.

"We see ourselves as a pathway to leadership across the food sector in New Zealand and have an emphasis on developing our members so they can fulfil any ambition they have," said Terry.

"We appreciate Federated Farmers needs to look to the younger generation to come through into its ranks."

The deal was first announced at the Taranaki Federated Farmers AGM in New Plymouth in April.

"There's an increasing recognition that young farmers have a lot to offer," Federated Farmers chief executive Graham Smith told the meeting.

Four NZ Young Farmers members - Matthew Herbert, James Lawn, Nick Brown and Jessie Waite - now hold key positions within Taranaki Federated Farmers. It's hoped the joint membership will encourage the next generation to have input into decisions affecting their future.

"Young farmers are going to have to live with most of the rules and regulations being made now," said Federated Farmers membership manager Lyndel Stone.

"We want them to be involved in the rule-making process and understand what's happening and have an influence at that level."

The new cut-price membership is $150 and does not include all the benefits of a full membership.

Heavily discounted governance training and leadership courses are available to all members.