Federated Farmers: Provinces are our biggest asset

The Federation's ability to tap into grass roots advocacy should not be underestimated and is something to champion.

Unlike in the States, advocacy here from the ground up can still make a difference at national-level politics.

Federated Farmers' new provincial engagement manager Jodie Campbell is eager to hit the road to help strengthen and re-energise what she believes is our country's biggest asset.

Having travelled a 'large portion' of New Zealand, American-born Jodie has always been fascinated about rural New Zealand and admired the social fabric that binds it together.

"There is something really unique about the provinces and every community has their own distinct identity," she said.

Before settling here, Mrs Campbell studied biostatistics in the United States with a career in the pharmaceutical industry in mind. However, a vacation in sunny Nelson 12 years ago changed her life.

What was supposed to be a working holiday picking fruit eventuated in a random employment opportunity at the Ministry of Fisheries, working on aquaculture development.

"To be fair I knew nothing about fisheries or New Zealand's primary industries for that matter. But they wanted a different perspective to round out the other analysts, and saw value in my alternative background," she said.

Mrs Campbell thereafter made the top of the South Island home, after meeting husband Mitch who was a Golden Bay local. The couple have three children (aged 6, 4 and 11 months) and have recently moved to the Wairarapa, which means early starts for the Wellington commute.

After two years at the Ministry (MPI) as a principal advisor -- policy and trade, Mrs Campbell is looking to bring her expertise of revitalising businesses and relationship-building to Federated Farmers.

For her the Federation's ability to tap into grassroots advocacy should not be underestimated and was something to champion.

"Unlike in the States, advocacy here from the ground up can still make a difference at national level politics. The politicians and officials know this, respect it, and generally are confident making decisions around it.

"They are obliged because they know that is what a democracy is about. This is why Federated Farmers possess a credible voice, they have a presence at Parliament and their members hold them accountable."

Mrs Campbell said she had 'a typical' view of the Federation and its penchant for lobbying when she took up the role but had been pleasantly surprised at how driven staff and members were.

"There's so much energy and aspiration among those I've met. You can feel the passion and belief, it is infectious, it's obvious they invest so much in their work," she said.

As for improving and building provincial engagement, Mrs Campbell believes her role extends beyond what that brings to Federated Farmers.

"The future prosperity of New Zealand is tied to the success of agribusinesses and exports from the provinces. Our kids' future is dependent on it," she said.

"There is a direct relationship there with keeping our grassroots voice strong and making the provinces as capable and resilient as they can be."