The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) will defer all remaining conferences and elections until 2021 in response to the current COVID-19 restrictions around large gatherings that are expected to persist throughout 2020.
The decision will impact all corresponding elections for President, Vice-President, Commodity and Committee positions (those up for election) for the remainder of the year.
VFF Chief Executive Officer Stephen Sheridan said the decision was finalised by the VFF Board and was made with an abundance of caution for all members and the public.
“The Victorian Farmers Federation, like all organisations has had to change the way we operate in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Sheridan said.
“The health and safety of not only our members and staff, but also the wider community is always our highest priority and we will continue to monitor closely the latest Victorian Government health advice over the coming months”, he added.
As a result, the below changes have been made:
- VFF Annual Conference will be postponed to late February 2021;
- Commodity Conferences scheduled for 2020 will be postponed to be held in conjunction with the 2021 VFF Annual Conference in 2021, unless other arrangements are agreed to;
- Elections for VFF President, VFF Vice President, Commodity and Committee positions (those up for election), will be postponed until 2021, to coincide with the VFF Annual Conference and/or the relevant commodity conferences;
- Terms for current office holders will be extended until the elections are held and terms for office holders elected in 2021 will be adjusted respectively;
- The proposed schedule will be reviewed by 1st December 2020, taking into account updated health advice from the Victorian Government.
The Victorian Farmers Federation will continue to advocate in the interests of its members and the broader Victorian farming community and will ensure any updates on this will be communicated as they arise.
Media Contact:
Amelia Bitsis, VFF, 0439 827 604