Federated Farmers: Controversial issues impact on all

Dr William Rolleston

Twice a year the National Council of Federated Farmers meets to discuss the issues of the day, review the year and look to the future.

Last month the National Council had two days of successful and robust discussion.

National Council consists of the presidents of each province, the industry sector chairs and the leaders of kindred organisations. National Council is the democracy of Federated Farmers at work. Issues of concern at provincial level are brought to the council through remits, which seek to give the national board direction, or through discussion items.

This year we tackled some of the more controversial issues of our time - climate change, water (including iwi aspirations for water), science including genetic modification and biodiversity.

A number of these topics are covered in this edition of The National Farming Review. I hope it stimulates you to think about these issues which will impact us all as farmers.

Federated Farmers exists to represent you, the farmer. We are also able to use our extensive networks to assist farmers, and keep institutions such as the banks on our side, in adverse events. We have had our fair share this year - droughts, floods and low dairy payouts.

We are a unique organisation in that we are farmers speaking for farmers with the assistance of an amazingly talented and dedicated staff.

We are a voluntary subscription organisation which means we truly represent our members. It also means that your subscription is vitally important to enable us to carry out the work we do.

Enjoy this final edition of the NFR for the year, have a Merry Christmas and if you are not already a member of Federated Farmers consider joining so that you can also have your say and make your contribution to the future of a great industry.