Feds report membership boost

Feds president Wayne Langford told the Primary Industries NZ Summit in Christchurch today that the organisation has never been stronger.

“Our messaging is cutting through the noise, we’re getting the policy wins we need,” about 300 people while opening the two-day event.

“But it’s not just Federated Farmers who have lifted our game – it’s DairyNZ, it’s Beef + Lamb NZ, it’s our processors, and it’s our exporters,” says Langford.

He noted that Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is forecasting almost $60 billion primary sector export earnings.

“It just goes to show what we can achieve together when we work as one team, stay focused on what unites us, and remember who we’re doing it for – our farmers,” he says.

Among the topics discussed at the summit is the environment and Langford says it’s time to talk positively about the environment.

“I’ve sat through way too many of these conferences talking about the environment. Unfortunately, most of the time, the messaging is what we are doing wrong, more regulation and more compliance.

“It’s all framed negatively,” he says.

“Well, not this conference. We’re going to be looking at things a little differently – to talk about the opportunity.

“Let’s also talk about the things farmers can do behind their farm gates voluntarily and proactively.

“Not because somebody told them they had to, but because it’s the right thing to do – and most importantly, because they actually want to. Let’s talk about what’s possible - how we can make the right thing to do, the easy thing to do. And most importantly, let’s back farmers to keep improving—not with a stick, but with a pat on the back and the right tools in their hands.”