Over 400 delegates from around NSW including local Association executive members Andrew Forest and Ian McColl will head to Sydney to represent fellow farmers at the NSW Farmers’ Association Annual Conference.
Climate change and emmissions trading, genetic modification, wheat marketing, infrastructure and mulesing are all on the agenda for debate according to Andrew Forest.
“Each of these subjects remain important for farmers across the state and locally,” Mr Forest said.
“Infrastructure is a perrenial issue and may be a particular problem this year.
“With what could finally be a big harvest after many years of failed crops, there could be a lot of difficulty with transport after years of road and rail deterioration.”
“The single desk horse has bolted however the Association has an important education role to play in ensuring farmers have the best information available to work in the new system,” Mr Forrest said.
“Similarly, there are a lot of questions to be asked about the new Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and our role in ensuring the best outcome for farmers beyond 2015.”
NSW Farmers’ Association President Jock Laurie says debate will be lively with so many “big ticket” items impacting on the agricultural industry.
“We are lucky in having secured both the Federal and State Agriculture Ministers, the Hon. Tony Burke MP and the Hon. Ian Macdonald MLC to speak to conference, and we look forward to including their perspectives, and also the chance to ask some questions on the day, “ Mr Laurie said.
“While we would all like to be meeting with the strain of drought behind us, the reality is that our current situation remains difficult, and farming families and businesses are still struggling.
“The Annual Conference is the ultimate policy making body of the Association, and it will be very interesting to see the concerns, opinions and actions of our Members played out in this sphere, as we decide on the way forward,” Mr Laurie said.
This year’s conference also marks 30 years since the inception of the NSW FA, when the Graziers’ Association and the United Farmers and Wheatgrowers Association joined forces and a celabratory ‘30 years as one voice’ theme has been chosen for the event.
As part of the celebrations, Young local Michael Davidson will be honoured at the conference for his pivotal role in the formation of the Association along with Milton Taylor, a farmer from Henty.
Mr Davidson will also have his huge collection of news clipping and photographs from those early years of the Association on display.
“We have an amazing history and Annual Conference promises to be a worthwhile experience for all delegates heading to Sydney,” Mr Laurie said.
The Regional Food Fair will be held in conjunction with the conference and is expected to attract more than 500 people, with a wool fashion parade set to dazzle the crowd.
NSW Farmers Association Annual Conference 2008 will be held at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park from 29-31 July. A full copy of the agenda can be found at www.nswfarmers.org.au.