Farmers are concerned that merging the Trade and Foreign Affairs portfolios may have implications for Australian trade opportunities.
Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) President Andrew Broad said that farmers were one of the nation’s largest export groups and he was concerned that trade relationships, and particularly the exploration of new trade opportunities, may not be given the appropriate attention without a dedicated Minister.
Mr Broad was responding to the minor Cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Julia Gillard yesterday in which she appointed Stephen Smith as Minister for Trade in addition to his pre-existing Foreign Affairs responsibilities.
“Australian farmers are some of this nation’s greatest exporters. Each year over $32 billion in agricultural produce leaves our shores with farmers exporting 60 percent of the food and fibre they produce. Trade is one of the government’s most important portfolios, and one of the most significant policy areas for our industry” Mr Broad said.
Top farm awards presented at VFF’s Bendigo conference
Victorian farmers paid tribute to the best in the business last night, as the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) Branch of the Year and Apprentice of the Year were announced at the VFF’s Annual Conference Gala Dinner, in Bendigo.
Lachlan Baird from Prime Super announced the Inghams Branch as the 2010 VFF Branch of the Year, while the Managatang Branch was awarded runner up. Malcolm Jackman CEO of Elders announced Woolsthorpe livestock farmer, Esther Glasgow as the 2010 VFF/Elders Apprentice of the Year.
“I would like to congratulate Inghams Branch President Allan Bullen, Branch Secretary Cameron Poole and all the members of the VFF Inghams Branch for their hard work and determination in supporting farmers in their local community,” VFF President Andrew Broad said.
Free Seminars: National Workplace Relations System
The National Farmers’ Federation, with support from the Australian Government, is hosting free seminars across regional Australia from September 2009 to help agricultural producers understand how new workplace relations laws will affect agricultural employers.
VFF has entered into an MOU to promote new transport service Locate Load
Locate Load is transport communication tool which assist with the
management of road freight logistics and compliance, within a highly private
and selective environment. The online service has been designed to assist
agricultural sector save both time and money looking for transport to move
their commodities, as it enables users to obtain quotes or set a fixed price
and find available trucks in a real time environment. VFF members are encouraged
to sign up and have a look at Locate Load via their website. https://vff.locateload.com/index.php
