3 minute read
From the Chair
BY OWEN MENKENS, Chairman, CANEGROWERS
I was in Canberra recently for the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Leaders summit.
This biennial event is a gathering of all the agricultural leaders to engage with and discuss the future direction of NFF. The program was centred around the NFF 2030 roadmap and its five pillars which are customers and the value chain, growing sustainably, unlocking innovation, people and communities and capital risk management.
As farmers we need to work together to get better outcomes from the government and our customers to continue to enhance and grow our businesses. It is interesting to talk to other agricultural representatives about the struggles they face which are like ours.
We are working with NFF on the proposed changes to rules around the use of paraquat which could have a massive impact on cane farmers. Paraquat is used regularly in the grains industry as well so going to the regulators with a united argument will help our chances going forward.
Canberra is not a particularly big place, but it is full of industry organisations and lobby groups like the NFF all looking to influence the direction of government policy. Over 80% of people in Australia live in capital cities that means that 80% of the politicians come from the cities. Therefore, we have to work extra hard to get our point across. I had a good opportunity to talk with many politicians as well while there as parliament was sitting.
The banning of live sheep exports shows we need to be on the frontline when it comes to our social licence to operate otherwise the extremist elements in the community can force government to shut you down. Advocacy is a team sport so all of agriculture needs to come together to get our message across.
I also had an opportunity to visit our CANEGROWERS stall at the EKKA on 12 August. The EKKA is a great opportunity to inform the Brisbane residents of the importance of our industry. The Brisbane office along with SRA and QFF worked very hard to keep the stall staffed over the 9-day period. They handed out over 5,000 information packs on the industry as well as talking to well in excess of 10,000 people who visited the stall.
This program is all part of our plan to keep positive messages about our industry and its importance to the Queensland economy. We also have done a lot of work in the education sector by providing curriculum material for both primary and high school teachers and students. This program is all about making sure our industry is known and respected both as an important part of the economy and great place to have a career in.
Keeping our industry at the forefront both in Brisbane and Canberra is fundamental to our long-term viability. We are a strong organisation in the agricultural sector. We should be proud of that and leverage it to our best best advantage for the future.
