THIS week more than 300 farmers from across NSW will gather at Sydney’s Luna Park for the NSW Farmers’ annual conference.
Our annual conference is the peak policy-setting event for agriculture in this state. More than 100 policy motions, generated at the grassroots in our 100-plus branches, will be debated and considered for inclusion in the Association’s policy booklet.
This year’s annual conference will see delegates choose a new association president, who will serve for a two year term. Along with other directly-elected members of the board, members will select our bxecutive councillors and representatives on our 20 commodity and policy committees.
We are delighted that Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, and Leader of the Opposition, Luke Foley, will address the conference. With a state election just months away, members will be listening for commitments from our political leaders which will deliver for agriculture. With the difficulties of the drought biting, we will be looking for assistance for agriculture to ensure the industry continues to thrive now and into the future.
A special panel session on pests and weeds will give members a chance to hear from those involved directly in the management of these threats to our industry. We must all work together to tackle pests and weeds; farmers must not be left to carry all the responsibility for pests and weeds on public land.
Our policy motions trigger passionate debate about the issues and concerns of the industry. Through our Annual Conference, we work to ensure our direction is consistent with what the Association’s grassroots membership wants in farming now and into the future.
Those unable to be in Sydney next week are encouraged to view Annual Conference via The Land’s live stream – visit www.nswfarmers.org.au to find out more.
– Matt Brand, NSW Farmers’ chief executive officer