MURRABIT’S Andrew Leahy and Lake Boga’s Nathan Free are part of the team of industry leaders now responsible for the Victorian Farmers Federation’s cross-industry policy and advocacy for the next two years.
Andrew continues as chair of the VFF water council, while Lake Boga’s VFF horticulture president Nathan Free leads the workforce and social policy committee.
VFF president Emma Germano says the appointments to the VFF’s issues advisory committees play a key role in helping to shape guide the VFF’s policy direction on a wide range of farming issues.
“It’s fantastic to welcome such experienced and knowledgeable advocates for agriculture and our regional communities,” Emma says.
“Their specialist knowledge and skills will help us tackle the policy issues that impact every farmer in Victoria.
“The VFF’s issues advisory committees play an important role in providing expert advice on policy and do the hard work to help Victorian farmers to grapple with policy challenges.”
VFF horticulture vice-president and Tourello potato farmer Katherine Myers will chair the planning, environment and climate change committee.
Katherine has been a powerful advocate for her fellow farmers dealing with the impact of renewable energy and transmission development on agricultural land.
She takes over from long-standing committee chair Gerry Leach, who was awarded VFF life membership last year.
Garvoc dairy farmer Daniel Meade takes on the newly formed farm business and transport committee, which looks at issues including state taxation, local government rates, competition, transport and freight.
He was previously chair of the stand-alone farm business committee.
VFF vice-president Danyel Cucinotta continues to lead the farming systems committee, which is dedicated to responding to the Victorian Government’s new animal welfare legislation, among other issues.
“I am excited to be working with a team of experienced and knowledgeable farmers who are dedicated to protecting the right to farm and our natural environment,” Emma says.
“There are significant challenges on the horizon as we see a lack of investment in regional infrastructure and increased costs on business.
“The government’s proposed tax on trucks at the Port of Melbourne is a particular concern that we will be fighting.
“There are still spaces on the committee for VFF members to join and I would encourage anyone interested to get in touch with the VFF.”
