Federation Farmers: Collaboration welcomed with NZ Young Farmers

NZ Young Farmers CEO Terry Copeland. Photo / File

While no formal partnerships are on the table between NZ Young Farmers and Federated Farmers, both organisations will look to collaborate more in the future, according to CEO, Terry Copeland.

Mr Copeland responded positively to the announcement from Federated Farmers recently, that it would look to offer an attractive membership package to NZ Young Farmer members, but stressed this did not mean the organisations were entering into a partnership.

"We see huge value in collaborating with Federated Farmers, particularly as we are developing the next generation of leaders," he says.

"Many of our members have gone on to higher office in Federated Farmers and we are thrilled to see that continue."

Mr Copeland says there are many issues that both organisations align on including better employment relationships, rural health services, disaster relief and on farm broadband services but it's important to retain our own identity as we service different memberships.

"However, any incentive to our members to join Federated Farmers is welcomed as it offers further value and a leadership pathway to those that want to continue in that arena.

"We appreciate that Federated Farmers needs to look to the younger generation to come through into its ranks and we are sure many of our members will join their ranks in coming years.

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

"That is why so many of our past and present members fill so many leadership positions across the primary sector and why current members are increasingly having an important voice when it comes to Government policy and future strategies in the sector," he says.