The Federation believes it is vital farmers gain these skills to ensure our ability to productively farm, which is interlinked with the country's future.
Our farming sectors have major issues around water, the environment, business rules, district and regional plans, land use and their consequential effects on economic outcomes.
Farmers are not isolated and must work with other stakeholders to obtain creative and pragmatic solutions and outcomes.
Building a pool of farming leaders with real influence and positive advocacy skills will help the sector effectively engage with government and local authorities.
Advocacy Leadership Course attendees learn about applying analytical skills and strategic thinking, communicating effectively to mixed audiences, communicating for influence, negotiating agreement and managing conflict, finding the truth, interpreting the basics of technical and scientific information and its impacts on farming and the community.
These skills are then applied to scenarios mimicking real-world advocacy. Participants must actively engage with each other to achieve an agreed workable outcome.
Doing so means they experience and observe the results of applying and using the new skills.
This programme is designed to establish real farm leaders who can effectively influence the development of policies, rules and regulatory requirements to better support sustainable and profitable farming.
Federated Farmers has seen participants in this and the level one and two leadership development programmes grow their skills and confidence when representing their sector.
CONTACT Federated Farmers at 0800 327 646 for further information or visit the website, www.fedfarm.co.nz.
