Kiwi steps into top world farming role

Federated Farmers president Dr William Rolleston is now also the acting president of the World Farmers' Organisation. Photo / Dean Purcell

Federated Farmers president William Rolleston has stepped in as acting president of the World Farmers' Organisation.

President Evelyn Nguleka last week said she had decided to step down due to issues affecting the National Farmers' Union in her home country of Zambia.

As vice president, Dr Rolleston moves into the role, "so I've got two jobs now," he said.

He told The Country host Jamie Mackay the organisation, of which Federated Farmers is a member, advocated on behalf of farmers.

He gave the example of the Paris climate change talks, where the organisation lobbied to include the terms food security and food production in the agreement.

This effort meant governments, including New Zealand's government, needed to recognise measures taken for climate change shouldn't compromise food production and food security.

"Farmers have two jobs to do. We need to try to mitigate climate change but we need to feed a growing population."

Read more about Dr Rolleston here

Have a listen to the full interview in the Soundcloud embed below: