Your Voice Your VFF 2014-15... · YOUR VOICE YOUR VFF ... (Bears Lagoon) CONFERENCE AGENDA. CONFERENCE AGENDA. Your Voice Your VFF. CONFERENCE AGENDA VFF Conference Agenda • Land

2015 Victorian Farmers Federation

Conference Agenda & Annual Report

Your Voice Your VFF

2 VICTORIAN FARMERS FEDERATIONVICTORIAN FARMERS FEDERATION

2015 VFF Conference Agenda & Annual Report

MAJOR ALLIANCE

PREMIUM SPONSORS

CORPORATE SPONSORS

CONFERENCE / VFF ALLIANCE PARTNER

LUNCH SPONSORS

BREAK SPONSORS

SATCHEL SPONSORS

2014-15 VFF CONFERENCE AGENDA & ANNUAL REPORT 1

CONTACT DETAILS:

Farrer House Level 5, 24 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000

Tel: 1300 882 833 Fax: 03 9207 5500 Email: [email protected] Website: www.vff.org.au

Contact: Zoe Moroz, Communications & Publications OfficerDesign: Hurricane Advertising & Marketing

DISCLAIMER

The Victorian Farmers Federation, its partners, agents and contractors do not guarantee that this publication is without flaw and do not accept any liability whatsoever for any errors, defects or omissions in the information provided.

All rights reserved 2015 Victorian Farmers Federation.

2014-15 VFF CONFERENCE AGENDA & ANNUAL REPORT

2 YAPs Conference Agenda

3 VFF Conference Program

5 2015 LIVESTOCK CONFERENCE

6 2015 VFF Livestock Conference Agenda

7 2014 VFF Livestock Conference Minutes

10 2014 VFF Livestock Resolution Action Sheet

11 2015 Livestock Group Conference Resolutions

13 2015 VFF CONFERENCE YOUR VOICE YOUR VFF

14 2015 VFF Conference Agenda

15 Minutes of the 35th VFF Annual Conference

21 2014 Conference Resolution Action Sheet

23 2015 VFF Conference Resolutions

37 2014-15 VFF ANNUAL REPORT

38 President’s Report

39 CEO’s Report

40 Marketing & Member Services Report

41-44 Chair of Finance Committee Report

45 VFF Media Report

48 Farrer House Building Report

49 Workplace Relations

51 Water Council

54 Farm Business and Regional Development Committee

58 Land Management Committee

62 Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Committee

64 Chicken Group

66 Egg Group

68 Grains Group

72 Horticulture Group

75 Flowers Victoria

77 Livestock Group

81 Pig Group

84 United Dairyfarmers of Victoria

88 Young Agribusiness Professionals (YAPs )

92 VFF Standing Orders

Contents

2 VICTORIAN FARMERS FEDERATION

Ag-Formation: Brought by the Young Agribusiness Professionals THURSDAY, 25 JUNE - ALL SEASONS HOTEL, BENDIGO

Keep up to speed with VFF YAPs Conference on Twitter #agformation

9:00am Amy Fay | YAPs Chair Top 100 Women in Australian Agribusiness

9:15am Tactics + Strategy Business Management for the Modern Farmer

The demands on the modern farmer are ever increasing. Working in agriculture requires you to be not only of the forefront of scientific + technological advancement, but also business practice. This session will include presentations focused on best management practice, filled with practical hints on people + operation management.

Anna Cochrane | Farm Business Advisor Meridian Agriculture

Michael Craig | Nuffield Scholar | Livestock Producer

Brett Hosking | Grains Producer

Owen Brinson | Horticulture Producer

10:45am The Protein War | Battling for consumer dollar

Protein is a buzz word when forecasting the future of Australian agriculture. This session will explore protein trade, market access + growth opportunities for producers, whilst also discussing the competition for consumer dollar in light of ever changing buyer + processor preferences, marketing tactics, regulation, trade + demand.

Adam Tomlinson | Senior Research Officer Australian Farm Institute

Mike Shaw | President Australian Chicken Growers Council

John Droppert | Industry Analyst | Dairy Australia

Ben Thomas | Market Information Manager Meat + Livestock Australia

1:35pm KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Emily Mackintosh | General Manager Communication | Australian Pork Limited

Agtivism v Activism Tackling the Industry Image Issue

Improving public perception of agricultural practices will be paramount if industry is to grow + prosper moving forward. This session will explore the tactics used by activists, before work-shopping how to create an ‘agtivist’ strategy of our own.

Tom Whitty | Media + Public Affairs Manager | VFF

Ross Monaghan | Lecturer | Deakin University School of Communication + Creative Arts

Emily Mackintosh | General Manager Communication | Australian Pork Limited

3:40pm Securing the Future Starting the succession conversation

Planning for the future is a complex part of any business. Entry, exit, leadership + ownership strategies are needed to ensure the business continue throughout periods of transition. This session will discuss strategies to start the conversation + get the ball rolling with your family, as well as highlight the key issues to think about when planning for business change.

Brian Hinneberg | Succession Planning Specialist Compass Agribusiness Management

Josie Rutledge | Farm Business Owner + Producer

6:30pm Gala Dinner | The Boardwalk Bendigo

Showcasing regional produce grown by our very own young-guns, this spectacular dinner is an opportunity to network with the future leaders + influencers of Australian agriculture.


VFF Conference ProgramFRIDAY, 26 JUNE - ALL SEASONS HOTEL, BENDIGO

8.00am Registrations Open (and will continue throughout the day)

LIVESTOCK ANNUAL CONFERENCE

9.00am Welcome and President’s Report Ian Feldtmann, VFF Livestock President

9.20am Resolutions

9.45am Red Meat Outlook Ben Thomas, Senior Market Analyst MLA

10. 00am Morning Tea

VFF ANNUAL CONFERENCE

10.30am VFF Conference - Opens

Welcome & President’s Report VFF President – Peter Tuohey

10.50am KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

How the Government will help farm profitability Hon Jaala Pulford, Victorian Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development

11.20am REPORTS

CEO’s Report Graeme Ford, Chief Executive Officer VFF

Finance Report David Beatty, Finance Board Director VFF

VFF Committee Reports – Tabled

• Water Council

• Ag Vet Chemicals

• Land Management

• Farm Business and Regional Development

• Workplace Relations

12-1.30pm LUNCH sponsored by Vodafone

• VFF Broadband Connectivity and Cost Survey Results - Brett Hosking, VFF Grains President

• The process and Issues arising from the Telecommunications review – Su McCluskey - Member of the Federal Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee.

• Connectivity and Cost – what can we do to drive down costs and deliver a more effective network – Matthew Lobb, General Manager of Industry Strategy and Public Policy, Vodafone.

• Panel session – Q & A

1pm VFF Industrial Association AGM (Concurrently in the Atrium)

1.30pm Tax Reform and GST David Jochinke, VFF Vice President and VFF Farm Business and Regional Development Committee chair

1.40pm RESOLUTIONS AND DEBATE

VFF Resolutions


• Water

• Land Management

3pm Afternoon Tea

3.15pm RESOLUTIONS AND DEBATE CONTINUE

5.30pm CONFERENCE CLOSE AND PRESIDENT’S DRINKS


CONFERENCE AGENDA

Notes

AGENDA

2015 Livestock ConferenceSetting the agenda, Barnawartha boycott and beyond


CONFERENCE AGENDA

2015 VFF Livestock Conference Agenda FRIDAY, 26 JUNE - ALL SEASONS HOTEL, BENDIGO

CONFERENCE SPONSORS

LIVESTOCK GROUP SPONSORS

Keep up to speed with VFF Livestock Conference on Twitter #VFF2015


9.00am Welcome and President’s Report Ian Feldtmann, VFF Livestock President

9.20am Resolutions

9.45am Red Meat Outlook Ben Thomas, Senior Market Analyst MLA

10. 00am Morning Tea


CONFERENCE AGENDA

2014 VFF Livestock Group ConferenceMINUTES: HELD ON THURSDAY, 12 JUNE 2014 - PORT PHILLIP ROOM, MELBOURNE SHOWGROUNDS

1. WELCOME, IAN FELDTMANN

The 35th Annual VFF Livestock Group Conference commenced at 9:04am on Thursday 12th June 2014.

Ian welcomed attendees to conference and encouraged members to sit towards the front. Ian then introduced the members of the Livestock Group; Vice President Michael Craig and Livestock Project Officers Jacinta Pretty and Kate Henne. Ian introduced the new Livestock Manager, Alina Tooley who started exactly two months ago.

Ian handed over to Alina who ran through the general housekeeping including; switching phones off or to silent and announcing the live Twitter feed being run during the course of conference with the hash tag #livestock2014. Alina also reminded members of the standing orders for conference, located on page 92 of the agenda. Following this, Alina handed back to Ian to continue proceedings.

Ian called for nominations for the vacant Livestock Council regions Corangamite, Wimmera and East Gippsland.

Ian asked that someone move a motion that standing orders be accepted and then asked for any apologies that were not already listed on the screen.

2. APOLOGIES

Name Branch/Organisation

Kate Joseph Heywood

Leonard Vallance Nandaly

Robert and Nancy Hiscock Kilmore

Geoff Fisken Meredith- Buninyong

Barb Stewart Bass Coast

Kevin Crook Ouyen

Motion: “That the apologies be accepted.”

Moved: Michael Craig (Balmoral) Seconded: Faye Tuchtan (Bass Coast)

CARRIED

3. ADOPTION OF STANDING ORDERS

Motion: “That the Standing Orders, as printed on page 92 of the agenda be adopted.”

Moved: Chris Wallace-Smith (Bears Lagoon) Seconded: Michael McCormack (Tallangatta)

CARRIED

4. VACANT POSITIONS

Written nomination for Wimmera region received from Robert Harding (Yanac) and seconded by Neville McIntyre (Horsham South branch).

Written nomination for East Gippsland region received from Steve Harrison (Stradbroke) and seconded by Michael McCormack (Tallangatta branch).

Nomination from floor for Corangamite region received from Chris Draffin (Burrumbeet branch).

All nominations were accepted by the Chair with all nominees being appointed to the Livestock Council.

4. MINUTES FROM 34TH VFF LIVESTOCK CONFERENCE

“That the minutes of the 34th VFF Livestock Annual Conference be confirmed as a true and accurate record of proceedings.”

Moved: Michael McCormack (Tallangatta) Seconded: Murray Davis (Casterton)

CARRIED

5. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE 34TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

No business arising

6. PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Vice President, Michael Craig took the chair and asked Ian Feldtmann to deliver the President’s report.

Ian spoke that the Livestock Group is the second largest commodity group and the importance of gaining more members; the cost of membership, service fee paid to the greater VFF and external funding that is required in order to run Livestock Group activities.

He stated that conference registrations were lower than previous years and that the two hour timeframe for conference was a challenge.

Ian spoke on the success of the regional Livestock Forums held at Hamilton, Warragul and Ballarat and the importance of running these types of events.

Ian noted the development of the Bendigo office, the intent to run more regional forums, the establishment of advisory groups (Wool, Sheep meat and Beef).

Ian spoke of Alina joining the team and her skills. He then mentioned the Livestock Project Officer staff, Jacinta and Kate and the highlighted the work they do. Ian thanked Jacinta for her work on the fodder drive.

Ian highlighted some of the key policy wins for the Livestock Group. These included the issues of wild dogs and the Government approval of aerial baiting sites to the value of $1.84 million. Ian informed conference that Livestock Group have been vital in demanding that the Government deliver adequate legislation on wild dog control and animal activists. Ian noted that there was 18 days until State Election and we need to press Agricultural Minister, Peter Walsh to deliver his promises.


CONFERENCE AGENDA

Ian referenced the significance of the Hahnheuser case and the stretch that similar issues place on VFF Livestock Group and the general VFF membership funds in order to fight.

The Inaugural NAPCO Beef Internship was discussed during the President’s report with Ian highlighting Aaron Brown as the 2013 winner and announcing Claire Templeton from Gippsland as the winner for 2014.

Other issues discussed in the President’s report was the need to deal with Government pulling back on resources, saleyards, animal welfare, loading race and yards standards, biosecurity measures including lice management and increasing membership numbers.

Ian thanked Geoff Fisken and Michael McCormack for their time on the Livestock Council and explained their contributions to the council in particular Michael McCormack being the instigator in the development of the wild dog control program, CCA Market and Trade subcommittee, MLA task forces, and representative on the Animal Health Australia BJD Advisory Committee.

Ian thanked Geoff in his absence and announced some of his achievements from his time on Livestock Council.

In closing Ian informed that the Livestock Group is looking forward to engaging with producers and industry alike.

Motion: “That the President’s report be received.”

Moved: Ian Feldtmann Seconded: Katrina Rainsford (Hamilton)

CARRIED

Questions Raised:

Vice President, Michael Craig asked for any questions relating to the President’s report.

Q1: Question from the floor

Why is membership falling? Do we need to pay agents a rebate that can encourage people to join membership?

A: Ian noted the membership work being currently being done in particular the development of the Bendigo office and membership services staff.

Q2: Chris Wallace-Smith (Bears Lagoon)

Chris asked the President to clarify the funding arrangements for the Livestock Project Officers, Jacinta and Kate.

Ian elaborated on the Sheep & Goat and Cattle Compensation Funds process and the work undertaken by the LPOs including animal health and biosecurity extension.

Michael Craig handed over to Alina to introduce the first guest speaker.

7. RED MEAT OUTLOOK- BEN THOMAS, SENIOR MARKET ANALYST, MEAT AND LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIA

Ben Thomas spoke on the key trends happening internationally and domestically, driving the demand for Australian red meat.

Questions:

Leslie Mulholland (Camperdown)

Q: Where is this going for producers? Things look good for slaughter and abattoir workers but what about producers?

Judy Clements (Whittlesea)

Q: Are you able to take concerns back to MLA on the declining farm incomes? Looking back over the last 20 to 25 years farm incomes have been declining. Does MLA have a commitment to work further with producers?

Ben informed conference that MLA is not a lobby group, MLA’s role within the industry is to promote Australian red meat worldwide and to co-fund and fund red meat research and independent reporting on market trends.

Alina thanked Ben and introduced the next speaker.

8. DEPI RESTRUCTURE- CASSANDRA MEAGHER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR BIOSECURITY & RUSSELL MCMURRAY, CHIEF BIOSECURITY DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND PRIMARY INDUSTRIES

Cassandra stated that the number one focus for DEPI is emergency animal disease (EAD) preparedness. She then announced the key staff; Chief Plant Officer, the new Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) Charles Milne and CBD Russell McMurray.

The new CVO will commence work on the 1st July 2014 arriving from Scotland. Charles Milne has had extensive experience in the UK with a number of diseases including Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Blue Tongue and Brucellosis also playing a critical role in food regulation. Cassandra stated that this was a win for Victoria.

Cassandra informed conference that Russell coordinates EAD response on a domestic and international level. She also stated that with recent fire, floods and rural recovery required the new model strengthens regional response and biosecurity management by merging staff from various divisions e.g. farm services. This provides an “all hazards, all emergencies” approach.

Cassandra said with the new restructure reporting lines will transfer to within the region. In the new structure there will be a team responsible for animal health, invasive species, sector leaders and specialists. This would provide a stronger integration of our biosecurity and extension teams and ability to service regional needs rather than “one size fits all approach”. Cassandra assured conference that this would increase DEPI’s capacity in terms of EAD response and preparedness with a number of DSE staff now able to assist with EAD response.

Biosecurity commitments from Government bring services closer to the regions and a move to regionalise service delivery. Cassandra ran through the Biosecurity division and key principles surrounding this and the staff structure. This included an explanation of the broadening of rural recovery teams that were previously in the roles of farm services plus a team lead by the CVO or CPO. Russell said the formation of DEPI ‘teams’ increased resourcing from 2 EAD staff to now 6 EAD staff, bringing like-minded people together e.g. recent fire recovery. He said that DEPI were in a better position now to utilise Animal Health and Vets more efficiently as other members e.g. plant services staff were doing mundane/non-animal related tasks such as roads and recovery.

Cassandra told conference that approx. 400 biosecurity and farm services staff would be transferring to regional teams increasing the regional response personal compared to previous 180 staff.

Cassandra said DEPI has undertaken a number of actions to prove their commitment to the wild dog issues and the department has had some wins recently in that area. For example Fire Officers are now able to take baits with them on the back of fire trucks and can now lay baits, increasing the number of staff now able to assist in the control.


CONFERENCE AGENDA

Questions:

Malcolm Morton (Kilmore)

Q: DEPI have closed a number of local branches- why is this so?

Cassandra said this was about site reformation within in the Department and changing the regional groups.

9. SHEEP MEAT COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA UPDATE- IAN MCCOLL, SCA PRESIDENT

Ian McColl informed Conference that the three key priorities Sheepmeat Council have been working on and will continue to work on includes;

• Addressing the challenge of getting higher percentage of returns back to producers

• Live export markets and ensuring the continue to remain open to Australia

• Meat inspection and ensuring producers are getting a fair deal at slaughter.

Ian informed that kill costs in Australia are among the highest in the world. He also elaborated on the Meat Inspection Reform package.

10. LIVESTOCK SELLING SYSTEMS OF THE FUTURE: AN INDUSTRY DEBATE

Ian Feldtmann invited panellists to the front and opened the debate.

Panellists included:

Warren Clark Board Director, Australian Livestock Property Agents Association

Mark McDonald Executive Officer, Livestock Saleyards Association Victoria

Garry Edwards Managing Director, Regional Infrastructure Australia

11. RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION 1 James Kirkpatrick (Pyrenees Branch)

“That the VFF call on the Victorian Government to make Sheep Health Statements a compulsory document along with the Vendor Declarations for all sheep sales.”

Moved: David Bain (Skipton) Seconded: George Kirkpatrick (Pyrenees Branch)

Speaker for: Michael McCormack (Tallangatta) asked if VFF could approach the idea of attaching the Sheep Health Statement to the National Vendor Declaration to make it one document instead of two.

CARRIED

RESOLUTION 2 Michael McCormack (Tallangatta Branch)

“That it be noted in the Conference Minutes the work of Jacinta Pretty as State Fodder Coordinator in coordinating the bushfire fodder response earlier in the year.”

Moved: Michael McCormack (Tallangatta) Seconded: Chris Wallace-Smith (Bears Lagoon)

CARRIED

12. INTRODUCTION OF LIVESTOCK COUNCIL

Michael Craig took the Chair and thanked Ian Feldtmann for his time as President and announced Ian has been elected VFF Livestock President for another term.

Michael handed the Chair back to Ian who thanked Michael Craig for his contributions to Council and announced Michael as VFF Livestock Vice President for another term.

Ian announced the names of the Livestock Council moving forward and invited new members to Livestock Council to stand as their names were read out.

OFFICE BEARERS

President Ian Feldtmann

Vice President Michael Craig

VFF LIVESTOCK REGIONAL COUNCILLORS

Mallee Region Leonard Vallance

Wimmera Region Robert Harding

Glenelg Region Kate Joseph

North Central Region Chris Wallace-Smith

Corangamite Region Chris Draffin

Goulburn Broken Region Hannah Marriott

North East Region Nicola Bussell

East Gippsland Region Steve Harrison

West Gippsland Region Faye Tuchtan

Additional Councillor James Kirkpatrick

13. CLOSE OF CONFERENCE AT 10.59AM

Ian Feldtmann called for the close of Conference and thanked delegates for their participation.

Morning Tea – SPONSORED BY Origin Energy


CONFERENCE AGENDA

2014 VFF Livestock Resolution Action SheetRESOLUTION ACTION OR PROPOSED ACTION

That the VFF call on the Victorian Government to make Sheep Health Statements a compulsory document along with the Vendor Declarations for all sheep sales.

The VFF has raised the issue with the Victorian Government’s Livestock Management Standards Principal Veterinary officer David Champness, who has put it on the agenda for the July Livestock Industry Consultative Committee.

Dr Champness said NSW had tried making SHS mandatory and promoted the issue, but it wasn’t taken up by industry.

He said that for it to be effective in Victoria it would need regulatory support as well as the government resources and willingness to enforce it.


CONFERENCE AGENDA

2015 Livestock Group Conference Resolutions

MOVED:

SECONDED:

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN

MEMBER (BRANCH) RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION

Andrew Weidemann/Robert Harding (Wimmera Branch)

2 That the VFF lobby the National Government that shearing be declared a sport.


Bob Andrews (Wangaratta Branch)

1As a Livestock Commodity Group Member of the VFF, I would like to pass a ‘no confidence’ motion in the current VFF Livestock President Mr Ian Feldtmann.

Notes from Robert Harding: Recently New Zealand declared shearing a sport. Consideration should be given to Australia following their example. Shearing competitions are occurring nearly every weekend, leading to national and international championships involving more than 30 nations. Shearing 200 sheep is equivalent to playing an AFL game, yet shearers do day after day. They are true athletes. Raising the profile of shearing as a sport creates a sense of pride, helps recruit

Notes from Bob Andrews: As a livestock member of the VFF, I have been alarmed to discover the entire paid staff of the VFF Livestock Team (3 separate individuals comprising of the Livestock manager and two additional full-time staff) have resigned or otherwise left their positions of employment suddenly over the past 12 month period. Additionally, a further two livestock managers, each employed full time and sequentially immediately prior to this stated period, have also resigned prematurely from their positions as Livestock Managers working with the VFF Livestock President and the Livestock Council. Any resignation of any member of staff is expensive. When staff resign repeatedly from any organisation this is not only an expense borne by the organisation, it is also a potential indication that ‘all is not

others and professionalism that we need to counter the negative images portrayed by animal welfare activists. Recognition by the Australian Sports Commission would give shearing competitions access to government funding, training, promotional support and other services.

well’ within the organisation, or in this case, the commodity council concerned. Particularly when 3 of these prematurely lost employees each worked closely with the Livestock President and the Livestock Council as key support staff, each holding the full time role of Livestock Manager. As the elected President of the Livestock Council, and remunerated for this position, I hold Mr Ian Feldtmann as ultimately responsible for these staff losses, all of which have occurred during his period of Presidency. With the overall Livestock membership in serious decline and now 5 full-time staff leaving prematurely from the Livestock Team, I cannot help but move a ‘no confidence’ motion in the Livestock President.


CONFERENCE AGENDA

Notes

Your Voice Your VFF2015 Victorian Farmers Federation Conference


CONFERENCE AGENDA

VFF Conference AgendaFRIDAY, 26 JUNE 2015, ALL SEASONS HOTEL, BENDIGO

Keep up to speed with VFF Conference on Twitter #VFF2015


10.30am VFF Conference - Opens

Welcome & President’s Report VFF President – Peter Tuohey

10.50am KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

How the Government will help farm profitability Hon Jaala Pulford, Victorian Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development

11.20am REPORTS

CEO’s Report Graeme Ford, Chief Executive Officer VFF

Finance Report David Beatty, Finance Board Director VFF

VFF Committee Reports – Tabled

• Water Council

• Ag Vet Chemicals

• Land Management


• Workplace Relations

12-1.30pm LUNCH sponsored by Vodafone

• VFF Broadband Connectivity and Cost Survey Results - Brett Hosking, VFF Grains President

• The process and Issues arising from the Telecommunications review – Su McCluskey - Member of the Federal Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee.

• Connectivity and Cost – what can we do to drive down costs and deliver a more effective network – Matthew Lobb, General Manager of Industry Strategy and Public Policy, Vodafone.

• Panel session – Q & A

1pm VFF Industrial Association AGM (Concurrently in the Atrium)

1.30pm Tax Reform and GST David Jochinke, VFF Vice President and VFF Farm Business and Regional Development Committee chair

1.40pm RESOLUTIONS AND DEBATE

VFF Resolutions


• Water

• Land Management

3pm Afternoon Tea

3.15pm RESOLUTIONS AND DEBATE CONTINUE

5.30pm CONFERENCE CLOSE AND PRESIDENT’S DRINKS


CONFERENCE AGENDA

Minutes of the 35th VFF Annual ConferenceTHURSDAY, 12 JUNE 2014 AT 11.30AM - MELBOURNE SHOWGROUNDS

DAY 1

Chairman: Mr Peter Tuohey, VFF President

1. WELCOME

The Chairman, Mr Tuohey welcomed guests and delegates to the VFF 35th Annual Conference and declared the meeting open at 11:30am.

The Chairman acknowledged and thanked VFF Life Members, Directors, Commodity Presidents and Committee Chairs, delegates and guests.

The Chairman thanked the VFF major alliance partner, WFI and thanked them for their continuing alliance. The Chairman also recognized and thanked Suncorp Bank, Origin Energy and all of the Conference sponsors and trade display exhibitors. The Chairman then encouraged all to make the time to visit the exhibitors during the 2-day conference.

The Chairman reminded the delegates of the current vacancies of the Policy Council Committee and advised any interested persons in these positions can fill out a registration form from the VFF registration desk.

The Chairman informed the delegates of the Farmer Health Checks that will be available in the trade display area and encouraged all to take up this opportunity and get a free health check.

The Chairman then went through house keeping matters and advised the delegates of the very exciting news that the Heart of Victoria dinner is now fully booked and encouraged all that have registered to check their allocated seating at the VFF registration desk.

2. ADOPTION OF STANDING ORDERS

M: Geoff Crick S: Marshall Rodda

“That the standing orders as printed in the agenda be adopted.”

CARRIED

3. APOLOGIES

The following apologies were received and a power point slide was displayed:

Isabel Arbuthnot Frank Baguley

Ron Ben-David The Hon Bill Shorten MP

Gary Blackwood MLA Bill & Margaret Bodman

Ida Bourke Catherine Bowman

Rachael Broad Andrew Broad MP

Candy Broad MP Roma Britnell

Tim Bull Sue Campbell

Robert Clark John Colbert

Desmond & Joan Crowe Peter Costello

Lily D’Ambrosio MP Jan Davis

Premier Denis Napthine MP

Don Nardella Damian Drum

Maree Edwards MP John Eren MP

Denise Fehring Euan Ferguson

Ian Fletcher Brian & Janine Ford

Christine Fyffe MP Joan Harmsworth

Rex Healey Claire Higgins

Joan Hinton Nancy & Robert Hiscock

David Hodgett MP Jenny Macklin

Wayne Johnston Barbara Jones

The Hon Kevin Andrews MP

The Hon Kim Wells Sharon Knight

David Koch MP John Lenders MP

Lindsay & Heather Livingstone

Margaret Lobban The Hon Matthew Guy

Peter Morgan Michael Morcom

Wade Noonan Wade Northausen

Kelly O’Dwyer MP Danny O’Brien MLC

David O’Brien MLC Martin Pakula MP

Tim Pallas MP Dale Park

The Hon Peter Ryan MLA The Hon Peter Walsh

The Hon Richard Marles MP

Andrew Ronalds MP The Hon Ryan Smith MP

Jim & Val Saunders Scott Chapman

Fiona Simson Matt Viney MP

Wal Merriman Mary Warlick

The Hon Wendy Lovell MP Hugh Wirth

M: Rob Mcrae (Wallup) S: Chris Wallace Smith (Bears Lagoon)

“That the apologies be received.”

CARRIED

4. MINUTES OF THE 34TH VFF ANNUAL CONFERENCE

M: Margaret Piccolli (Bort) S: Neville McIntyre (Horsham South)

“That the minutes of the 2013 34th VFF Annual Conference be accepted.”

CARRIED

5. BUSINESS ARISING

No Further Business.


CONFERENCE AGENDA

6. PRESIDENT’S REPORT

VFF President – Peter Tuohey

The Chairman, Mr Tuohey handed the Chair over to Mr Jochinke.

Mr Jochinke invited Mr Tuohey to present his report to the conference.

Mr Tuohey addressed the conference and began his report by advising delegates that the conference is the time for all to share in our passion for agriculture and help set the VFF policy agenda.

Mr Tuohey advised he believes the way the VFF delivers value to its members is not only a result of the efforts of lobbying but by also increasing market share.

Mr Tuohey made comments towards the very successful “Tell Us Why” campaign which proved Australian shoppers will support Australian branded products. This campaign highlighted that not only do supermarkets have a social responsibility to support their local suppliers, but the Australian shopper also needs to look closely at what they put in their shopping basket.

Mr Tuohey then made mention of the strong lobbying work that the VFF has carried throughout the year, particularly the work the VFF did to support the fruit growers and processing sector. The VFF’s lobbying work carried out sent a clear message to the Coalition regarding the impact that the closure of SPC Ardmona would have had on the community and therefore resulted in over 22 million being invested by the Victorian government to support factory modernization.

Mr Tuohey also made mention to the lobbying efforts of the continual battle of the Fire Services Levy which the VFF eventually achieved a saving of 42 million for our Victorian farmers and were instrumental with achieving a further drop in the Fire Service Levy of 21%.

Mr Tuohey stated the Diesel fuel rebates was under threat when the federal government was preparing its current budget, Mr Tuohey made comments regarding the way the VFF, NFF and the other state farming organisations knew how important it was for our members to continue the fight for diesel fuel rebates and ensured it remained in the budget.

Mr Tuohey then acknowledged the important work carried out by the VFF board over the past two years and the ability the board have had in providing a very clear direction in creating a strong financial position without losing focus on advocacy and our members. Mr Tuohey then took the time to thank the VFF board and confirmed they have assisted with shaping the new VFF in the right direction.

Mr Tuohey thanked the VFF staff. He made mention that without the dedication of the VFF staff, many of the VFF wins would never be possible.

Finally, Mr Tuohey thanked CEO Graeme Ford for his support in the role as CEO and then thanked his family who have also been a great support over the past two years as President of the VFF.

M: Peter Tuohey (Pyramid Hill) S: Ian Hastings (Ouyen)

“That the Presidents Report be accepted.”

CARRIED

Mr Tuohey then advised resolutions will now be dealt with.

Mr Tuohey handed the chair over to Mr Jochinke whilst he was excused from the conference.

RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION 1 VFF Sunraysia Branch

M: Bill McClumpha (Sunraysia Branch) S: Rien Silverstein (Shepparton Horticulture Branch)

“That the VFF opposes the extension of the Goods and Services Tax to food.”

PROCEDURAL MOTION MOVED

M: Meg Parkinson (South Gippsland Branch)

“That the motion be laid on table for 12 months.”

CARRIED

RESOLUTION 2 VFF Sunraysia Branch

M: Bill McClumpha (Sunraysia Branch) S: Sue Finger (Yarra Valley Horticulture Branch)

“That the VFF opposes any increase in the rate of the Goods and Services Tax.”

LOST PROCEDURAL MOTION MOVED

M: Meg Parkinson (South Gippsland Branch)

“That the motion be laid on the table.”

PROCEDURAL MOTION LOST

Mr Tuohey re-joined the conference.

Mr Jochinke welcomed Mr Tuohey back to the conference and handed the chair back to Mr Tuohey.

7. A RETAIL INSIGHT INTO CONSUMERS OF THE FUTURE

KENDRA BANKS, GENERAL MANAGER, COLES BRAND & CUSTOMER INSIGHTS

The Chairman welcomed Kendra Banks, General Manager of Coles Brand & Customer Insights to the conference.

Kendra Banks addressed the conference and provided a presentation around the customers of Coles, results of independent customer research projects, facts and figures of the most popular items sold at Coles supermarkets and outlined the Coles values around providing quality Australian products.

Kendra Banks then played a video commercial that illustrated an example of the Coles quality steak range produced from a cattle farm located in the Grampians.

The conference was adjourned for lunch sponsored by Coles.

Lunch sponsored by Coles.

The Conference re-commenced at 1:30pm.

8. CONSUMERS OF THE FUTURE

Vice President Mr Jochinke took over chair and invited Lachlan Graham, Jodie Goldsworthy, Jayne Gallagher and James Flintoft to the stage to conduct the “Consumers of the Future” session.


CONFERENCE AGENDA

During this session, the panelists identified and held discussions on issues around who will be our future consumers, investors & farmers, what drives consumption, emerging trends and what is needed to be done to respond.

Mr Jochinke handed the chair back to Mr Tuohey.

The Chairman then advised Resolutions will now be dealt with.

RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION 3 Casterton Branch

M: Murray Davis (Casterton Branch) S: Roger Learmonth (Hawkesdale Branch)

“That the VFF call on State Government to have a review of Shire Council boundaries in Victoria.”

LOST

RESOLUTION 4 Wimmera Branch

M: Neville McIntyre (Horsham South Branch) S: Eileen Jorgensen (Murtoa Branch)

“That the VFF ask the NFF to investigate a challenge to the current CIV rating system in the High Court using the Australian Farming Fighting Fund.”

CARRIED

9. LIFE MEMBERSHIP

MIKE SHAW

The Chairman then announced a life Membership will be awarded to Mike Shaw.

Mike Shaw was acknowledged and recognized for his outstanding contribution to the VFF and to the Chicken Meat industry.

The Chairman then presented Mike Shaw with a framed certificate of VFF Life Membership. The conference then applauded Mike Shaw for his achievement.

The Chairman invited Clinton Rodda to the podium.

Clinton Rodda provided an overview of Southern Rural Water (SRW) and outlined some of the recent initiatives carried out by SRW. Clinton Rodda then congratulated the VFF for their impressive program and thanked all in attendance.

The conference was adjourned for afternoon tea.

10. INVESTORS OF THE FUTURE

The Chairman introduced David Charge, Executive Manager Agribusiness of Suncorp Bank and the panel.

David Charge then introduced the following members of the panel:

• Ben Allomes, Director of DairyNZ and a Trustee of the Dairy Industry Awards

• Tom McKeon, Chief Executive Officer, of Hassad Australia

• Gordon Noble, Managing Director of Inflection Point Capital Management

11. FINANCE REPORT

The Chairman welcomed David Beatty, Chair of the Finance Committee to the podium.

Mr Beatty addressed the conference and presented the finance report and provided delegates with the VFF financial results for the year.

Mr Beatty then thanked Denholme Chapman, VFF Executive Manager of Financial Services, for his contribution and then invited Mr Chapman to the podium to provide a more detailed overview of the financial reports.

The Chairman thanked both Mr Beatty and Mr Chapman for their work throughout the year and made mention of the very positive tenancy occupancy rate of 99%. The Chairman specifically thanked Mr Chapman for his efforts in achieving this outstanding result.

M: David Beatty S: Chris Nixon (Orbost)

“That the Finance report be accepted.”

CARRIED

The Chairman then announced resolutions will continue.

RESOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION 5 Balliang & District Branch

M: Eric Sharkey (Balliang Branch) S: David Gibb (Mornington Peninsula Branch)

“That the VFF lobby the State Government to develop a more equitable Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) for all Primary Producers in the Peri Urban Area who are (and have been) seriously disadvantaged by the current methodology, based on Capital Improved Values.”

CARRIED

RESOLUTION 6 Broken Catchment Dairy

M: Richard Anderson (Campaspe Branch) S: Ellen King (Mornington Peninsula Branch)

“That the VFF lobby relevant state and local government bodies to ensure they effectively fund and manage roadsides to prevent the build-up of fuel loads to protect farms and other properties.”

CARRIED

RESOLUTION 7 Kerang-Quambatook Branch

M: Brett Hosking (Kerang/Quambatook Branch) S: Marshall Rodda (Warracknabeal/Brim Branch)

“That the VFF lobby government for major improvements to mobile phone coverage in rural and remote areas which will remove “blackspots” and upgrade areas which “struggle” to provide effective service to ensure rural and regional areas are not disadvantaged with respect to health, safety and emergency support such as ambulance and fire services, due to lack of mobile phone coverage.”


CONFERENCE AGENDA

CARRIED



“That the VFF lobby the State Government to re-invest revenue derived from leasing the Port of Melbourne into the rail infrastructure that helps generate food & fibre exports from the port.”

CARRIED



“The VFF lobby the Federal Government to match the Victorian Government’s $220 million commitment to upgrading and standardising the state’s rail freight network and commit further funds to improve heavy vehicle access to receival sites.”

CARRIED

The Chairman then announced the conference will now be relocated to the Rustler Room to continue resolutions.

RESOLUTION 14 Western Goulburn UDV/VFF Branch

M: David Glass (West Goulburn Branch) S: Tim Leahy (West Goulburn Branch)

“That the VFF lobbies the Government so that any flows that come down the system, that are not counted against any water allocations, are to be made available to any irrigator on an unlimited off-quota basis at any given time.”

AMENDED MOVED AS AN AMENDMENT

M: Lindsay Jarvis (Kiewa Branch) S: Meg Parkinson (South Gippsland Branch)

“That the Conference asks Water Council to consider whether any flows that come down the system (MDB), that are not counted against any water allocations, can be made available to any irrigator on an unlimited off-quota basis at any given time.”

AMENDMENT BECAME MOTION MOTION CARRIED

The Chairman advised delegates that the President’s Drinks and VFF Branch of the Year presentation will begin at 5.30pm in the Showbag Pavilion and also reminded all that the Heart of Victoria dinner will commence at 7:00pm in the Expo Hall.

9. CLOSE

The Chairman thanked all for their attendance to Day One of the 35th Victorian Farmers Federation Annual Conference and declared Day One of the conference closed at 5:20pm.

DAY 2

The Chairman, Mr Tuohey welcomed guests and delegates to Day 2 of the VFF 35th Annual Conference and declared the meeting open at 8:30am.

1. BRENT FINLAY

PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL FARMERS FEDERATION

The Chairman then introduced Brent Finlay, President of the National Farmers Federation to the conference and invited him to the podium.

Brent Finlay thanked The Chairman and addressed the conference.

2. COMMITTEE CHAIRS REPORTS

The Chairman, invited the Policy Committees members to the stage and thanked them for their work throughout the year.

The Chairman then noted that the Committee reports are taken as read.

The Chairman then took the opportunity to thank Murray Goulburn Cooperative for their sponsorship of the Morning Tea.

Morning Tea sponsored by Murray Goulburn Cooperative.

3. CEO REPORT

The Chairman welcomed the delegates back to the conference and invited VFF Chief Executive Officer, Graeme Ford to the podium.

The Chairman thanked Graeme Ford for his outstanding contribution throughout the year and invited Mr Ford to present his CEO report.

The CEO report was adjourned as the Hon. Barnaby Joyce entered the conference.

4. KEYNOTE SPEAKER

FEDERAL MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE, THE HON. BARNABY JOYCE

The Chairman welcomed the Federal Minister for Agriculture, the Hon. Barnaby Joyce to address the conference.

The Hon. Barnaby Joyce thanked Mr Tuohey and the VFF and addressed the conference.

The Federal Minister communicated the importance of keeping families on the farm to make more money and made comments towards the younger generation not willing to work on the farm unless money can be made.

The Federal Minister raised concerns and opposes the idea of AQIS becoming part of customs and advised he needs the VFF to be part of this discussion. The Minister identified biological threats and global turmoils as being a potential threat to agriculture.

Minister Joyce made comments on the government commitments to invest $300 million dollars over 4 years to develop the feasibility study. Issues on drought and wild dogs was also raised and the significance of the Chinese markets and the great opportunities with NORCO shipping fresh milk into china which is selling at $7 a litre.

Finally, the Minister advised on the need for an inland transport corridor and also informed delegates that he has been appointed Chairman of the dams committee and stated he is going to build more dams.

The Chairman thanked the Hon. Barnaby Joyce for his time.


CONFERENCE AGENDA

The Chairman then welcomed CEO Graeme Ford back to the podium to finish presenting his CEO report.

M: Margaret Piccolli (Bort) S: Sue Finger (Yarra Valley Horticulture Branch)

“That the CEO report be accepted.”

CARRIED

CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS

The Chairman announced the remainder of the conference resolutions will now be dealt with.

RESOLUTION 10 Horticulture Policy Council

M: Rien Silverstein (Shepparton Horticulture Branch) S: Meg Parkinson (South Gippsland Branch)

“The VFF lobby the Federal Government to ensure foreign workers access superannuation guarantee contributions under the same conditions as Australian workers e.g. 60 years of age.”

CARRIED


M: Rien Silverstein (Shepparton Horticulture Branch) S: Sue Finger (Yarra Valley Horticulture Branch)

“That the VFF lobby to have the Farm Safe Alliance program sitting within the VFF reinstated and funded by Worksafe.”

CARRIED


M: Sue Finger (Yarra Valley Horticulture Branch S: Julie Cochrane (Vegetable Growers Branch)

“That the VFF lobby government to raise the payroll tax threshold above or equal to $1.1m and it be indexed annually.”

CARRIED


M: Sue Finger (Yarra Valley Horticulture Branch) S: Rien Silverstein (Shepparton Horticulture Branch)

“That the VFF ask the NFF to lobby for an increase in the superannuation threshold.”

CARRIED


M: Sue Finger (Yarra Valley Horticulture Branch) S: Rien Silverstein (Shepparton Horticulture Branch)

“That the VFF lobby for the state to fund recycled water projects in horticultural areas to Class A.”

CARRIED

RESOLUTION 16

M: Garry Everett (Heywood Branch) S: Maureen Versteden (South Eastern Eggs Branch)

“That the VFF calls on the Victorian Government to ban all forms of exploration and mining for unconventional gas (CSG, tight and shale gas) in Victoria.”

LOST

RESOLUTION 17


“That the VFF requests the State Government to extend and change the present moratorium on issuing new CSG exploration licences and fracking, to include all types of unconventional gas exploration and mining for at least another two terms of government.”

AMENDED PROCEDURAL MOTION MOVED

M: Les Muholland ( Camperdown Branch)

“That the motion be laid on the table.”

MOTION LOST MOVED AN AMENDMENT

M: Ellen King (Mornington Peninsula Branch) S: Rien Silverstein (Shepparton Horticulture Branch)

“That the VFF requests the State Government to extend and change the present moratorium on issuing new CSG exploration licences and fracking, to include all types of unconventional gas exploration and mining for at least another term of government.”


RESOLUTION 18

M: Garry Everett (Heywood) S: Maureen Versteden (South Eastern Eggs Branch)

“That the VFF demands all state political parties declare their policy positions on the exploration and mining of unconventional gas, before the State Election.”

AMENDED MOVED AN AMENDMENT

M: Katrina Rainsford (Hamilton) S: Peter Jennings (Bairnsdale Branch)

“That the VFF demands all state political parties and candidates declare their policy positions on the exploration and mining of unconventional gas, before the State Election.”


RESOLUTION 19


“That the VFF runs a campaign to inform all Victorian farmers of the risks and impact of unconventional gas developments on the environment and human health. The campaign must also inform farmers of their rights.”

CARRIED

RESOLUTION 20 VFF State Beekeeping Branch

M: Gavin Jamieson (VFF Beekeepers Branch) S: Eileen McDonald (VFF Beekeepers Branch)


CONFERENCE AGENDA

“That the Federal Government adapt a policy to strengthen legislation in relation to truth in labelling; concentrating particularly upon imported foods meeting the same standards as domestic requirements.”

CARRIED

RESOLUTION 21 21 West Goulburn UDV/VFF Branch

M: Alison Couston (West Goulburn Branch) S: David Glass (West Goulburn Branch)

“That the VFF demands the current Victorian Government honour its commitment to grant the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) the broad sweeping power it needs to investigate all matters brought before it, including misconduct in public office.”

CARRIED

RESOLUTION 22 West Goulburn UDV/VFF Branch

M: Gemma Monk (West Goulburn Branch) S: David Glass (West Goulburn Branch)

“That the VFF puts in place a protocol that ensures agendas and background notes for commodity or policy council & committee meetings are sent to those attending, at least one week prior to the meeting.”

CARRIED

RESOLUTION 23

M: Chris Walsh (Minyip Branch) S: Brett Coates (Horsham Branch)

“That YAPS and VFF work with the current government and opposition to ensure that current programs, that promote, support and encourage young people into agriculture are funded in the next term of government.

These programs include:

YAPs program, Young Farmer Stamp Duty exemption, Young Farmer Finance, Food & Fibre Careers Officer, Trade Mission Support program.”

CARRIED

5. FARMING OF THE FUTURE

The Chairman introduced the “Farming of the Future” session. The Chairman provided a brief outline of the session and introduced the panel:

• Phil Lyons from Falcon UAV

• Bruce Rodgerso, Rubicon Water

• Mark Leahy, AgData

The conference was adjourned for lunch.

Lunch sponsored by “Dial before you Dig”.

6. AGRIBUSINESS LEADERS OF THE FUTURE

KEYNOTE SPEAKER – SAM BAILEY

The Chairman invited beef cattle farmer, best-selling author and inspirational speaker Sam Bailey to the podium to talk about “overcoming challenges”.

Sam Bailey became a quadriplegic at the age of 19 after a horrific motor car accident. Sam Bailey told his inspirational story on how he conquered his disability to become a farmer, ultra light pilot and now an inspirational speaker, best-selling author and role model for children.

Sam Bailey also runs a 1250 hectare beef cattle property with his wife Jenny, a former ABC Rural Reporter.

7. FARMERS OF THE FUTURE PANEL

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

The Chairman, Mr Tuohey then announced Sam Bailey to chair the panel session on “Opportunities and Challenges”.

Sam Bailey introduced the following panel:

• Damien Cofield, Senior Winemaker Cofield Winery

• Ben Allomes, Director of DairyNZ and a Trustee of the Dairy Industry Awards

• Reagon Stroud, Suncorp Bank

• Caitlin Sauro, Agriculture Teacher at Colac Secondary College.

The Chairman thanked Sam Bailey and the members of the panel.

8. WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FOOD AND FIBRE INDUSTRY?

The Chairman introduced VFF Food and Fibre Careers Officer, Heidi Knowles to the podium.

Heidi Knowles introduced the representatives of the schools that have been heavily involved in agricultural projects aimed at raising students awareness of the agriculture industry by incorporating food and fibre education into the school curriculum.

The following school representatives were as follows:

• Timboon School – Assistant Principal Sean Fitzpatrick from Timboon P 12 provided the opportunities for industry organisations and agricultural representatives to be involved in this outstanding example of food and fibre education and career pathways

• Elisabeth Murdoch College – Students from Elisabeth Murdoch spoke about the opportunities that they see from being a part of the EMC food and fibre pathways

• Terang College – Students from Terang College spoke about how agriculture, food and fibre education is embedded in many areas of the school curriculum

• Salesian College Sunbury – Agricultural Teacher Matt Fitzgerald spoke about the opportunities for industry to become a sustainable part of the Farm Program.

9. CLOSE OF CONFERENCE

The Chairman thanked all delegates for their attendance at the 2014 VFF Annual Conference and thanked the VFF staff for all their assistance and declared the conference closed at 3:32pm.


CONFERENCE AGENDA

2014 Conference Resolution Action SheetNO RESOLUTION ACTION OR PROPOSED ACTION

1 “That the VFF opposes the extension of the Goods and Services Tax to food.” (Motion laid on the table for 12 months)

The VFF has developed a Taxation Policy Discussion Paper, run 8 policy forums, which included debate on tax reform and conducted an online member survey on the issue.

4 “That the VFF ask the NFF to investigate a challenge to the current CIV rating system in the High Court using the Australian Farming Fighting Fund.”

The VFF requested the advice of the NFF on the request for funding from the Australian Farmers Fighting Fund for the investigation of this matter. At the Federal level, the NFF does not have the state specific capacity to investigate such a challenge.

The matter was referred back to the VFF Farm Business and Regional Development Committee who, with further consideration determined that the high court challenge would be unlikely to meet the criteria of the AFFF.

5 “That the VFF lobby the State Government to develop a more equitable Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) for all Primary Producers in the Peri Urban Area who are (and have been) seriously disadvantaged by the current methodology, based on Capital Improved Values.”

The VFF has already advocated this policy, calling on the former Coalition Government to place a per hectare cap on the FSPL.

The VFF gained a commitment from Labor that: “An Andrews Labor Government would review the operation of the Fire Services Property Levy with a view to improving the fairness of its impact”.

6 “That the VFF lobby relevant state and local government bodies to ensure they effectively fund and manage roadsides to prevent the build-up of fuel loads to protect farms and other properties.”

The VFF developed a more comprehensive bushfire strategy in 2014-15. As part of that strategy the VFF has called on the State Government to: “prioritise roadside fuel reduction (And) Streamline approval process and red tape for agencies with fire management obligations. Engage local landholders to identify roadside areas requiring fuel reduction.”

The VFF has repeatedly raised the issue with departmental officials at the government’s Fire & Land stakeholder meetings and written a submission to Inspector General’s review of prescribed burning calling more strategic burns that focus on roadsides.

7 “That the VFF lobby government for major improvements to mobile phone coverage in rural and remote areas which will remove “blackspots” and upgrade areas which “struggle” to provide effective service to ensure rural and regional areas are not disadvantaged with respect to health, safety and emergency support such as ambulance and fire services, due to lack of mobile phone coverage.”

The VFF took the issue of additional funding to the Victorian State Election and the Federal Government through the NFF.

The Federal Government’s blackspot commitment remains at $40m, with the Victorian Government lodging an application in partnership with Telstra and Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley for a share of the fund.

The VFF is also engaged in the Federal Regional Telecommunications Independent Review.

The VFF has launched a broadband cost and connectivity survey of more than 500 members, the results of which will be presented to conference and the review committee.

8 “That the VFF lobby the State Government to re-invest revenue derived from leasing the Port of Melbourne into the rail infrastructure that helps generate food & fibre exports from the port.”

The VFF took the issue to the State Election, with an infrastructure wishlist - to be funded from the Port lease and the sale of the Rural Finance Corporation. Labor has since committed to spend the $400m from the RFC sale towards rural and regional projects. However the VFF is demanding a share of the $5 billion form the port lease got towards rural infrastructure and raised serious concerns on 700-800 per cent rental hikes as the port is readied for sale.

9 “The VFF lobby the Federal Government to match the Victorian Government’s $220 million commitment to upgrading and standardising the state’s rail freight network and commit further funds to improve heavy vehicle access to receival sites.”

The VFF has gained support from the new Labor State Government for the project and has called on the Federal Government to match that commitment in our submission to the Commonwealth’s Agriculture Competitiveness issues paper.

10 “The VFF lobby the Federal Government to ensure foreign workers access superannuation guarantee contributions under the same conditions as Australian workers e.g. 60 years of age.”

Formed part of our submission to the Commonwealth’s Agriculture Competitiveness White Paper.

11 “That the VFF lobby to have the Farm Safe Alliance program sitting within the VFF reinstated and funded by Worksafe.”

The VFF was unable to apply for funding, given the State Government alliance agreement – between the Department of Health, Agriculture & Worksafe - came to an end. There may be an opportunity for the VFF to apply for new farm safety funding under the new Labor Government.


CONFERENCE AGENDA

NO RESOLUTION ACTION OR PROPOSED ACTION

12 “That the VFF lobby government to raise the payroll tax threshold above or equal to $1.1m and it be indexed annually.”

This adds to the existing policy to increase the payroll tax threshold. This is included in the State Election priorities and forms part of our submission to the Commonwealth’s Taxation White Paper process.

13 “That the VFF ask the NFF to lobby for an increase in the superannuation threshold.”

This was included in the VFF’s Submission on the Agriculture Competitiveness Issues Paper. In addition, propose more specific ask - e.g. increase the threshold to the equivalent level from 1992 when it was introduced and index the threshold to CPI.

14 “That the Conference asks Water Council to consider whether any flows that come down the system (MDB), that are not counted against any water allocations, can be made available to any irrigator on an unlimited off-quota basis at any given time.”

Water Council has informed the movers of the resolution that as a result of the MDB Plan, there is no such thing as off-quota water. However Water Council will pursue a policy of deducting any pre-releases, to create air space in storages or pre-season spills, against the environmental water holder’s carry over or seasonal allocations.

This would create more air space in storages to build further build irrigator seasonal allocations.

15 “That the VFF lobby for the state to fund recycled water projects in horticultural areas to Class A.”

The VFF has pursued the Bunyip Food Bowl pipeline project with the Labor Government (class A project).

The VFF is also working on gaining funding to develop the Yarra Valley pipeline (class C).

17 “That the VFF requests the State Government to extend and change the present moratorium on issuing new CSG exploration licences and fracking, to include all types of unconventional gas exploration and mining for at least another term of government.”

The VFF took this policy to the last State Election. The Labor Government has committed to a Parliamentary Inquiry into Onshore gas, to which the VFF will make a submission outlining its position. The VFF will also conduct a member survey and hold two forums on the inquiry in the leadup to submissions being lodged before September.

18 “That the VFF demands all state political parties and candidates declare their policy positions on the exploration and mining of unconventional gas, before the State Election.”

The VFF called on all parties and candidates to declare their positions, which were published on the VFF website.

Labor stated it would: “maintain a moratorium on non-conventional gas extraction, until such time as science proves that it’s safe and there is broad community support for its removal”.

19 “That the VFF runs a campaign to inform all Victorian farmers of the risks and impact of unconventional gas developments on the environment and human health. The campaign must also inform farmers of their rights.”

The VFF has actively promoted information on farmers’ rights in regard to onshore gas exploration. The VFF has also given members of its Land management Committee and Gippsland Taskforce the opportunity to air their views. The VFF has also supported continued government research into the hydrology of the regions over which exploration licences exist.

20 “That the Federal Government adopts a policy to strengthen legislation in relation to truth in labelling; concentrating particularly upon imported foods meeting the same standards as domestic requirements.”

The VFF’s Pig Group & Communications team have run extensive campaigns on Coles demand that Australian pork suppliers go ‘sow-stall free’, yet failed to supply evidence that imported pork products were ‘sow-stall free’. Our Horticulture & Communications team also ran campaigns highlighting the inequity in the supermarkets’ global sourcing strategy. We called and gained commitments for more Australian produce in their stores. While the standards have not changed the VFF has been successful in pressuring retailers to use more Australian produce in their home brands.

21 “That the VFF demands the current Victorian Government honour its commitment to grant the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) the broad sweeping power it needs to investigate all matters brought before it, including misconduct in public office.”

The Victorian Coalition Government is no longer in power. However the new Labor Government has promised to grant IBAC the authority to examine the misconduct of MPs.

22 “That the VFF puts in place a protocol that ensures agendas and background notes for commodity or policy council & committee meetings are sent to those attending, at least one week prior to the meeting.”

The VFF has attempted to ensure agendas are supplied at least one week prior to meetings. However there are times when staff resourcing makes this difficult.

23 “That YAPS and VFF work with the current government and opposition to ensure that current programs, that promote, support and encourage young people into agriculture are funded in the next term of government.

These programs include: YAPs program, Young Farmer Stamp Duty exemption, Young Farmer Finance, Food & Fibre Careers Officer, Trade Mission Support program.”

YAPs took its $600,000 “Future Harvest Project to the State Election, gaining Coalition support. Labor failed to make a commitment.

However Labor did commit to: “establishing a special Ministerial Advisory Council on Young Farmers and $125,000 per year for a Young Farmers Scholarship program”.

Labor also promised to invest $7.8 million towards an Environmental and Animal Science Centre in Bendigo as part of their $320 million TAFE Rescue Fund.


CONFERENCE AGENDA

2015 VFF Conference Resolutions

MOVED:

SECONDED:

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN


Ann Jarvis (Kiewa) 1That the VFF call on the Federal Government and Telstra to urgently upgrade the fixed-wire underground network that links the NBN node to rural homes.


Neville McIntyre (Horsham South)

2The VFF should liaise with the trucking industry to approach VicRoads for a fairer medical check for Heavy Truck Licenses.

Notes from Mover: Given the Government’s shift to a fibre-to-node NBN system, the link from the node to the farm is crucial. While wireless options are being promoted by the Federal Government and Telstra, many farmers have poor access. Therefore it is crucial that Telstra prioritise the upgrade and or replacement of rural fixed lines linking farmers to the NBN’s nodes.

Notes from Mover: VicRoads requires (at their leisure) HC, HA and B Double license holders to undergo medical checks if they have diabetes, heart conditions, sleep apnoea etc. At any time of the year, these drivers are asked to consult a specialist Endocrinologist or a Cardiologist to submit a written health check within 30 days. Most drivers with diabetes have a Diabetic Educator but do not have a specialist.

Appointments are difficult to get on short notice especially if you have not seen the specialist before. Over Christmas and Easter periods these appointments are impossible to achieve. It is hard to get an extension of time and therefore these drivers are restricted to a Light Rigid Truck License.

A medial report from your local GP should be sufficient. Your local GP knows you and your medical history. The specialist (via video link up) who you are forced to consult has never seen you before, does not know your medical history and only relies on your local GP’s tests and referral advice to complete the medical form. Another possibility would be to have the compliance date extended to 60 days. (The three assessors only meet once a week for this type of driving permit).

FARM BUSINESS AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT


CONFERENCE AGENDA

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN


Christine Plant (Manangatang)

4VFF write to government to lobby for an increase in funding for maintenance and upgrade for VicRoads arterial roads which currently do not satisfy the criteria for funding (number of crashes/hospitalisations and business case).

Notes from Mover: Examples of roads are Sea-Lake Robinvale Rd, Robinvale-Mattam Rd.

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN


Anthony Mulcahy (Lake Bolac)

3For VFF to lobby for ASIC to have more power and exercise the power they do have, to follow up receiverships and liquidations of companies to ensure the best interest of un-secured creditors. To ensure directors of failed companies are penalised suitably.

Notes from Mover: Also consider the role of banks in knowingly allowing a company to continue trading insolvent.


CONFERENCE AGENDA

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN


Garry Everett (Heywood)

6That the VFF opposes further amalgamation of shires in Victoria until it is proven to be of benefit to smaller rural councils (i.e those with less than 20,000 people).

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN


John Piccirillo (Sunraysia)

5That the VFF supports the establishment of rigorous oversight and review mechanisms to achieve more efficient use of revenue by government.

Notes from Mover: Government revenue should be used in ways that gives the best possible bang for the tax payer’s buck without money being rorted, wasted or otherwise misdirected.


CONFERENCE AGENDA

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN


John Piccirillo (Sunraysia)

8 That the VFF does not support Managed Investment Schemes (MIS).

Notes from the VFF: The VFF has not been supportive of Managed Investment Schemes. Specifically, in an Inquiry into Agribusiness Managed Investment Schemes in 2009 the VFF was critical of the MIS structure.

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN


Garry Everett (Heywood)

7That the VFF support and promote the Federal Government’s Renewable Energy Target and actively looks at ways of achieving a higher target of 20 to 30 per cent by 2020 as well as lobby to ensure farmers have greater access to the scheme.

Notes from VFF: The VFF does not currently support the Renewable Energy Target, given it is funded through two charges on electricity bills – the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) and the Large-scale renewable Energy Target (LRET).


CONFERENCE AGENDA

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN


Peter Thompson (Manangatang)

10The VFF lobby the Federal Government to allow farmers to withdraw FMDs at a tax rate of 15%, if it goes into their superannuation fund, capped at $60,000.

Notes from Mover: There should be an incentive for farmers to make contributions into FMD’s. Under the current framework, once money has been contributed into FMD’s it is very difficult to get out, this provides a disincentive for farmers to save to prepare for a drought. If the money could be easily shifted between FMD’s and superannuation, farmers would be more willing to self-manage the impacts of drought. $60,000 is double the current limit.

Notes from VFF: Under current Australian government superannuation arrangements, most people can contribute up to $30,000 including the employer contribution of 9.5% at a concessional tax rate. Approaching retirement the concessional caps change with those aged 50 and over allowed to contribute a maximum of $35,000 including employer contribution.

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN


Faye Tuchtan (Bass Coast)

9That the Fire Services Property Levy be reduced or abolished for active members of the CFA.


CONFERENCE AGENDA

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN


Farm Business and Regional Development Committee

12 That the VFF protect the land tax exemptions currently provided to agricultural land.

Notes from Mover: Land tax exemptions for agricultural land need to be protected. Currently in Victoria there is an exemption on the payment of land tax for most land use for primary production. For the transfer of a $1 million property, this is saving of at least $3000. As the price of a property increases, the financial benefit of the exemption also increases. Properties over $3million save in excess of $25,000 in tax with the primary production exemption in place.

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN



11That the VFF lobby to increase Federal government grants to local government, to provide additional revenue to councils.

Notes from Mover: Providing additional revenue to local government, via Federal government grants will assist local governments in balancing books and take the pressure off generating revenue through the rate payer.


CONFERENCE AGENDA

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN


Bill McClumpha (Sunraysia)

14 The VFF is opposed to an increase in the rate of the GST.

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN



13 The VFF is opposed to the extension of the GST to food.

VFF notes: This resolution surpasses a resolution from the 2014 Conference which was to lay on the table for 12 months, which would need to be lifted from the table for debate.

Currently fresh food and other services including health and education are exempt from GST.


CONFERENCE AGENDA

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN


Robyn Gulline (Wimmera)

16The VFF encourages the Federal Government to explore measures to increase revenue by examining the current taxation of capital gains, negative gearing and superannuation.

Notes from VFF: Capital gains, negative gearing and superannuation payments are all components of the Australian taxation system. Making changes to the operation of each of these components could provide increased revenue to government. Similarly, current provisions around these areas of taxation could be loosened and provide additional tax concessions to individuals.

Taxation exemptions apply to some areas of capital gains tax, for example on a residential primary place of residence.

Negative gearing is a technique frequently used in financial investments in property. Negative gearing occurs when the total costs of owning a property – including any interest on loans or bank charges, capital depreciation, maintenance and repairs - are greater than the income which the investment produces. This provides many investors with tax incentives.

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN



15

That the VFF should only support an increase to the rate of the GST on the basis the additional tax revenue is:

• offered to the states on condition they cut payroll tax and stamp duty • offered to local government on condition they cut rates


CONFERENCE AGENDA

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN


George Paolucci (Sunraysia)

18The VFF lobby to ensure that 100% of all fuel excises collected be spent on the maintenance and upgrade of all roads.

Notes from Mover: We believe this move would be a very positive way of reducing the impost on all taxpayers and reduce the burden on rates within many councils and ratepayers to fund roads and bring about improvement in roads at the road toll.

Notes from VFF: The Federal Government will generate $17.8 billion in fuel excise in 2015-16 rising to $20.5 billion in 2018-19. The 2015 Federal Budget has allocated $5.93b to roads in 2015-16, with another $2.3b allocated to Local Government Grants.

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN



17The VFF supports the introduction of effective initiatives to identify and close tax loopholes, including new loopholes as they arise.

Notes from Mover: This measure would be one that would increase the government tax take so that all entities (including larger corporations and overseas corporations or individuals) pay their fair share of tax. Such measures reduce the tax burden on other taxpayers. Examples may include the abuse of superannuation or trust benefits for the purpose of avoiding tax.


CONFERENCE AGENDA

MOVED:

SECONDED:

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN



19 Capital gains tax should apply to all residential properties.


Alison Couston (West Goulburn)

20The VFF demand an investigation into Goulburn-Murray Water’s provision of services and charges.

Notes from mover: For example, a Royal Commission.

WATER


CONFERENCE AGENDA

MOVED:

SECONDED:

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN


David Bain (Pyrenees)

21The VFF lobby the State and Federal Governments to assist farmers whose ability to increase productivity has been adversely impacted by negative vegetation management legislation.


Terry Burgi (Fruit Growers Victoria)

22That the VFF lobby Councils to establish (or provide) case managers (or co-ordinators) to guide applicants through the planning and permit procedure for agricultural investment.

Notes from Mover: In my case I have over 300 ha of native grassland that runs 5 DSE/ha. With development I could run 12-14 DSE/ha and increase my profitability. My family have managed this area for over 100 years but with narrowing margins we must find ways to maintain viability. Offsets and other environmental management systems and packages are hit and miss. We should not be regarded as unpaid park rangers!

Notes from Mover: To ensure smooth co-ordination in time frames and logistical order (For example VicRoads, Council, Water Authority, EPA etc). Lower frustration levels - public, applicants, staff.

Assistance could be in many forms including rate relief, a management fee or preservation payment. In maintaining native vegetation farmers are providing a service that shouldn’t be taken for granted. With increasing cost pressures I have to consider increasing my productivity to retain a viable enterprise but due to legislation I am restricted.

WATER


CONFERENCE AGENDA

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN


Colin Frawley (Hamilton)

24The VFF supports a five-year moratorium on exploration and extraction of onshore gas in Victoria.

Notes from Mover: The VFF as an organisation needs to support farmers, not miners. More information is becoming available that challenges the notion that unconventional gas mining and farming are compatible, especially in highly productive farming areas. Allowing gas wells on individual properties exposes their neighbours to increased risk to their farming operations.

Notes from VFF: The VFF’s current policy is to maintain the current moratorium until at least the next 2018 State Election. The Victorian Parliament is undertaking an Inquiry into Unconventional On-shore Gas, to be tabled by 1 December 2015. The Victorian Government is currently committed to a moratorium on on-shore gas until the inquiry reports to Parliament.

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN


Wade Northausen (West Goulburn)

23 The VFF oppose all mining on agricultural land.

Notes from Mover: Mining including coal, coal seam gas, gold and other metals. Not including materials used as direct inputs to agriculture.


CONFERENCE AGENDA

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN


Merna Curnow (Laanecoorie)

26The VFF adopt a two-year term for the Chairman’s role of a Policy Committee, with the allowance of two terms to be served concurrently.

Notes from Mover: This will bring the positions of Policy Committee Chairs into alignment with other VFF elected positions. Limited tenure positions will encourage people to nominate for these leadership roles. Succession planning is an important management tool for any organisation.

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN


Colin Frawley (Hamilton)

25That the VFF recognises that there is increasing evidence of negative impacts on agriculture and water supplies from unconventional onshore gas mining exploration and extraction in both Australia and around the world.

GENERAL


CONFERENCE AGENDA

MOVED:

SECONDED:

COMMENTS:

CARRIED

LOST

WITHDRAWN


Merna Curnow (Laanecoorie)

27 The VFF limit all commodity councillor positions to four consecutive terms.

Notes from Mover: It is understood that implementing this change will require constitutional amendment and this resolution is put forward to measure support for such a change. The current commodity councillor positions are two years terms without limit. The proposal is to maintain the two year term but limited to four consecutive terms of two years each.

It is often daunting to think about challenging someone for a place on council who has occupied the position for more than a decade. This change will encourage members to put themselves forward for council positions, especially younger VFF members.

It will encourage diversity in representative roles and an enthusiastic approach to VFF policy development.

The proposed limit would not restrict a councillor from moving into a Vice President or President role at the end of four terms as a councillor. Rather it would ensure that succession within a council is a continuing process. Succession planning is vital for any organisation and is especially important in the advocacy role by which VFF operates.

Notes from VFF: Actioning this resolution would require an amendment to the VFF Constitution. If the motion before the conference is successful an amendment to the VFF Constitution is required. Such an amendment would then be presented to members as a formal resolution at the 2016 VFF Annual General Meeting or an Extraordinary General Meeting.


CONFERENCE AGENDA

Your Voice Your VFF 2014-15 Annual Report


EXECUTIVE REPORTS

President’s Report

In the past 12 months we’ve used every tool the VFF has on hand to recruit and engage more members.

In the first six months of this year we ran 44 events, ranging from the UDV’s GM and on-shore gas forums to a raft of pre-conference policy and livestock forums across the state.

It’s been a hectic time, but members are telling us it’s great to see the VFF bringing members together to identify their local issues, as well as debate national reforms that affect their farms.

The first half of 2014-15 was dominated by the tussle between Labor and the Coalition for the right to govern, with the VFF launching its list of election demands, running debates and pushing for investment in rural rail, roads and water, as well as rate reform.

We lodged a petition of 3300 farmers with the Victorian Parliament calling for an inquiry into a fairer rural rating system and sustainable funding for local government.

Labor committed to cap rate rises at the CPI, which the VFF welcomed. But it’s only one step in the raft of reforms we need to ensure farmers aren’t simply loaded up with an ever greater share of the rate’s burden.

Peter Tuohey - President, Adam Jenkins, David Jochinke - Vice President, Sue Finger, Marion Macleod, Ian Feldtmann, Chris Jones, David Beatty, Brett Hosking.

It’s one of the reasons why the VFF has invested time in running policy forums on rates and tax reform – the two are linked. We need the Federal Government to deliver far more grant funding to local government as well as cut state-based stamp duty and payroll taxes. Back in the mid-1990s the Federal Government handed 1.3 per cent of its tax take to Local Government. That figure has now declined to 0.6 per cent of the tax take.

Since November’s State Election we’ve worked hard to develop relationships with the new Labor Ministerial line-up. The VFF now sits on the panel developing the framework under which the Essential Services Commission will oversee council rate rises.

We’re also keeping a close eye on the Port of Melbourne privatisation, and demanded the government act to curb massive rental hikes at the port which will flow back to the farm gate.

I’ve also lobbied the Premier and his ministers to deliver, in full, on the Murray Basin Rail Project. We’ve already gained commitments from the Labor Government to continue aerial baiting of wild dogs, the $10 fox bounty, ensure riparian fencing and sheep RFID remain voluntary and support young farmer scholarships.

Supply-chain infrastructure and trade were big issues in 2014-15 with China finally agreeing to a Free Trade Agreement with Australia that delivers some real long-term benefits to agriculture, especially dairy and livestock. The UDV led the charge in this debate with the Livestock Group joining the campaign.

Our Workplace relations team has been working flat, running events and directly assisting members to ensure they comply with their workplace obligations.

The Young Agribusiness Professionals membership has continued to grow, running a successful border tour in partnership with NSW Farmers and attracted big crowds to their social events.

The Chicken Meat, Pig, Egg and Livestock Groups have been at the forefront of the battle to counter animal activist farm invasions and extremist claims.

Twice in the past 12 months the VFF has led debates on PETA’s misleading claims and false images on shearing and the wool industry. We’ve managed to marginalise these animal activists in the eyes’ of the general public as people as extremist who are opposed to farming – full stop.

The year ahead will be just as demanding. Drought still looms as a major threat to the viability of our farmers across parts of the state’s west, and we’re working to improve eligibility, lengthen the term of loans and seek state and federal support for other forms of assistance.

The VFF is also working with the NFF and other agri-political groups on building a more streamlined and strengthened national approach to farmer representation.

Our success as one of the nation’s leading agri-political groups gives our members real power in Spring Street, Canberra and within your local council.

Peter Tuohey – VFF President


EXECUTIVE REPORTS

CEO’s Report

It is pleasing that we are able to report another surplus result for the 2013-14 year. A very satisfying result is the performance of Farrer House. Rental growth of 6.1% to $1,326,010 and an occupancy rate of 100% is a solid validation of the significant investment that has been made in the building over the past four years. The Building Committee of Mike Shaw, David Jochinke and Max Jelbart ably supported by Denholme Chapman, have delivered a remarkable result. There would be very few office buildings in Melbourne boasting a 100% occupancy.

On the membership front, for the VFF Financial year, end of September 2014, the commodity membership was showing positive signs with a growth in Horticulture and Flowers Vic memberships and relative stable numbers in all the remaining groups and a growth in non-commodity memberships of 20%.

A strategy to significantly drive engagement with members was put in place in March 2014 with the establishment of the Bendigo Membership Development Team. A year on year comparison shows that membership recruitment increased by 25% from 2013 to 2014. The strategy also required investment in the membership database system in order to deliver the capability required to effectively service our members. This has assisted in identifying and remedying any inaccuracies in our member records.

Member engagement has dropped off over the past decade and reconnecting strongly with the farm community is essential to membership retention and growth. The “Every Member, Every Year” program has a target to deliver a meaningful interaction with every member of the Federation every year.

This program involves everyone in the Federation and is led by a significant increase in the regional presence of the Federation through a significant increase in the number of meetings/forums/events to provide an opportunity for more farmers to engage with the Federation. For example in the last six months of 2015 we have collectively run more than 40 regional events, testament to our commitment to listen to VFF members. Also, communication with members has been ramped up and tailored more to members’ interests and it will include more regular personal contact. We have been active more than ever in our application of both new and traditional media and it has paid off.

The policy performance of the Federation is vital to member satisfaction and it must be hitting the right issues hard. With this in mind a more deliberate and aggressive approach has been taken to key issues. The response to PETA’s anti-shearing campaign, the boycott of the Barnawartha saleyards, freight rail, rural rates, and the lease of the Port of Melbourne are examples where the VFF has led the fight on behalf of farmers.

The overall strategy is showing results. Comparing the 12 month period May 14 to May 15 the VFF membership has shown a growth of 126 members. This might not seem a large change but it is a substantial turnaround on the long term trend of membership losses.

The challenge ahead is to obtain more involvement from across the sector in setting and fighting for policy outcomes for the benefit of farmers and rural communities. The increase in engagement activity outlined above is assisting to bring more members into the important debates. The more the better though, and I would urge members to involve their families, friends and neighbours in VFF activities.

Another important activity in which the VFF has played a key role is in the review of national farmer representation. The acceptance by the member organisations of the NFF that a more efficient and effective representative structure is needed is a milestone. The work on this project continues, however designing a structure that will be acceptable to the majority of organisations will be difficult.

Finally, I would thank the VFF staff for their efforts over the past 12 months and VFF President, Peter Tuohey and the Board for their support in driving a vision for the Federation.

Graeme Ford – CEO


EXECUTIVE REPORTS

Marketing and Member Services Report

If they say that a week is a long time in football… 12 months is a very long time in business and the last 12 months has been a very busy but exciting period for the Marketing and Membership team.

The centralised Bendigo Membership Development team has proven that from a strategic perspective, we are on the right track with increased local engagement, more regional events and touching base with every member on our database – every year.

The Membership Services team has continued to make significant inroads into re-configuring the Membership database and have now moved to a web-based version to enable easier access for our staff when they are out of the office. The UDV levy process has been overhauled and now provides improved accuracy for reporting and exceptions. Dashboards have been developed to help staff understand how the business and their teams are tracking against key membership KPIs.

The VFF conference in June will see the launch of a ‘Members Only’ Portal on the VFF website which will house the new Members Handbooks and other relevant information designed specifically for our commodity paying members – delivering improved value to full fee paying members.

The relationship with Origin Energy has continued modest growth and the addition of new partners (Chandler Agribusiness, Dial Before You Dig, Sean Simmonds Travel and more) has been very encouraging. Agreements are due to be re-negotiated on several of our largest partnerships this year including WFI, Prime Super, Origin Energy and Suncorp Bank, whilst we are very pleased to have re-signed with Morgans.

Despite great effort from across the business, the VFF membership total number declined slightly in the financial year to September 2014. The majority of the final decline was made up of data clean up due to the UDV levy reconciliation exercise, otherwise the end of year result would have seen membership increase for the first time in 26 years.

Our target for membership growth for the year (to end September 2015) is to achieve 3% growth in commodity memberships and maximise retention of our existing members – at this stage we are on target to achieve above this on current projections.

The inclusion of the Flowers Victoria role into our team has been a great initiative and Genevieve managed her way through Valentine’s Day promotions, Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show and Mother’s Day campaigns incredibly well. She has been a weekly fixture in the Flower market and is now well known for her personality and influence throughout the market and is bringing increased engagement from the industry.

A review is underway into all VFF communication touch points across both hard copy, electronic and social media with a view to consolidation and brand consistency being at the centre of every communication tool.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LAST 12 MONTHS HAVE ALSO INCLUDED:

• The implementation and success of Fighting Farm Costs Roadshows across the State to provide an opportunity for our farmers to meet various corporate commercial partners and sponsors;

• Continued improvement in data integrity and reporting accuracy in our membership information system;

• Reformatting and redesigning The Victorian Farmer magazine to be more member driven with case studies and special features;

• Sparking engagement and conversations with farmers in parts of Victoria where the VFF has not been engaged for several years and increasing the enthusiasm for VFF and farming across the State;

• Working with RASV, ANZ, PwC, VAC and The Global Foundation to coordinate the AgriVictoria Summit as a cost effective, outcome driven even for producers wanting to find out more about being investment or trade ready; and

• Continuing the success of the Heart of Victoria Dinner to profile and celebrate Victorian Agriculture.

The Marketing & Membership Team are excited about the year ahead and with renewed focus on refining the strategic plan and further building on the great work that has been done across the division in the last year or so, we are looking forward to a very positive year in 2015/16.


EXECUTIVE REPORTS

Chair of Finance Committee ReportThe financial year ended 30 September 2014 reflects a total surplus of $197,338 and which is lower than the previous year surplus of $1,627,718.

An operating loss of $635,613 was recorded before taking into consideration net investment income of $832,643, and which was lower than the $48,180 surplus recorded for 2013. A large contributor to the loss for 2014 is attributable to Accounting standards treatment of grants income i.e. record on receipt, whereas the expenditure component (primarily staff costs) occurs in later years. Net investment income has declined significantly due to relatively stable stock market values for the year.

The Board resolved to maintain the Farrer House property value at the $17.9m calculated by independent consultants during the 2013 financial year. During the year capital expenditure of $160,640 was incurred in clearing vacated tenancy areas and stage 1 of a lift upgrades. During the financial year an unprecedented overall building occupancy rate of 99.2% was achieved, and with an occupancy rate of 100% having occurring in late Nov/early Dec.

The VFF remains extremely sound financially with net assets of $19,253,522, of which 47.6% ($9m) was in liquid financial assets.

During the year we carried out a number of borrowing initiatives.

1. We repaid the margin loan balance of $2.495m using existing cash reserves and drawing down on some investments.

2. We then repaid $3m of high interest rate debt using $3m of low cost margin loan debt.

3. We reduced our building secured debt facility to $3m and with significantly reduced interest rates.

4. Through the remainder of the year we then paid down a further $0.2m in margin loan debt.

5. Since financial year end we have further reduced margin loan debt by $0.3m.

A 2014/15 budget surplus of $521,000 has been approved, continuing the Executive Board policy of minimum overall ‘break-even’ budgets.

We would like to express our appreciation for the continuing Grains Group arrangement where Deed Poll investments income is shared thus enabling continued assistance in implementing the objectives of the Strategic Plan.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my fellow Board members and VFF staff for their support, efforts and contribution.

David Beatty – Chair of Finance Committee


EXECUTIVE REPORTS

YTD Pigs

YTD Eggs

YTD Hort

YTD Dairy

YTD Grains

YTD Livestock

YTD Chicken-

Meat

Prior Year Commodity Surpluses & Losses (Brought Farmers Federation Forward))

(Excludes Flowers)

Prior Year (Post 2010) Accumulated Commodity Surpluses/Deficits Available For Use (2,959) 3,039 (97,155) 559,485 980,884 75,142 35,448

Reserves - Former Commodity ‘Deposits’ 62,334 2,051 0 0 33,566 0 0

Sub Total 59,375 5,090 (97,155) 559,485 1,014,450 75,142 35,448

Membership Income

Levies & Subscriptions

Sub Total 20,053 32,429 288,780 1,973,677 704,034 866,994 292,779

Common Service Cost 15,144 18,348 210,510 989,484 535,344 759,432 63,300

Net Member Income After Allocation Of Common Service Cost 4,909 14,081 78,270 984,193 168,690 107,562 229,479

Expenditure

Building Costs 1,584 1,272 19,452 35,784 14,748 18,540 10,236

Communications 159 234 5,713 35,965 9,586 25,779 1,092

Meeting Expenses 680 4,794 5,189 73,015 50,715 35,054 14,040

Motor Vehicles 45 749 39 217 25,202 1,890 34

Presidents Costs 2,000 6,508 5,377 79,704 66,834 55,001 33,204

Printing & Stationery 28 98 2,188 11,153 3,248 4,597 711

Promotional 0 7 11,897 4,793 3,618 6,529 2,295

Staff Costs 18,131 18,125 169,757 282,483 246,626 166,822 136,207

Peak Council Fees 0 0 4,500 337,535 61,386 59,223 12,450

Sundry Expenses 865 4,414 92,308 166,211 57,087 (9,503) 58,706

Interest Paid 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total Expenditure 23,492 36,200 316,419 1,026,861 539,051 363,932 256,527

Total Surplus/Deficit Before Other Income & Adjust For Surpluses/Losses Carried Forward (18,583) (22,119) (238,149) (42,668) (370,361) (256,370) (27,047)

Other Income

Advertising & Commission

Sub Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 (7,045)

Investment Income

Sub Total 0 0 0 200 130,675 0 1

Conference

Sub Total (155) 0 327 5,122 12,083 0 (809)

Sundry Income

Sub Total 13,500 13,955 201,325 135,491 60 251,706 23,444

Total Other Income 13,345 13,955 201,653 140,813 142,818 251,706 15,591

Total Surplus/Deficit Before Investment & Net Building Income Allocation (5,238) (8,165) (36,497) 98,145 (227,543) (4,664) (11,456)

Investment & Net Building Income Allocation 2,472 3,000 34,008 161,392 87,420 124,020 10,343

Total Surplus/Deficit (2,766) (5,165) (2,489) 259,537 (140,123) 119,356 (1,113)

Prior Year Accumulated Commodity Surpluses/Deficits Available For Use (Refer top) (2,959) 3,039 (97,155) 559,485 980,884 75,142 35,448

Surplus/Deficit After Use Of Prior Year Accumulated Surpluses And Losses (5,725) (2,126) (99,644) 819,022 840,761 194,498 34,335

Victorian Farmers FederationSUMMARY OF ALL COMMODITY UNITS 2014 FINANCIAL YEAR. CONSOLIDATED INCOME & EXPENDITURE FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING 30 SEPTEMBER 2014 (EXTRACTED FROM AUDITED FINANCIAL RECORDS)


EXECUTIVE REPORTS

Victorian Farmers Federation Group of CompaniesREPORT ON THE RESULTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2014

REVENUE

Levies, subscriptions & handbooks 4,504,148 4,384,385Commission - insurance and other 681,362 535,261Sponsorship (including Conference) 449,322 505,620Project funds/grants received 391,875 707,283Other revenue 679,739 427,703

6,706,446 6,560,252EXPENSES

Employee benefit expense 3,431,550 3,057,292Depreciation and amortisation 283,590 334,766Bad and doubtful debts 560 -Auditors remuneration 50,000 45,500Lease expense- motor vehicles and IT equipment 95,138 144,063

OTHER EXPENSES

Communication Expenses 230,842 257,198Meeting Expenses 264,001 205,721Directors' and Presidents’ Allowances/Expenses 474,941 432,873Annual Conference Expenses 323,776 258,586Printing and Stationery 129,165 141,374Promotional/Newsletter Expenses 166,647 84,429Peak council affiliation fees 775,095 769,854Consultants 172,429 118,632Legal fees 29,617 55,812IT support 185,113 126,697Sundry Expenses 707,578 469,573Loss on sale or write off of fixed assets 22,017 9,702

7,342,059 6,512,072

OPERATING (LOSS)/SURPLUS (635,613) 48,180

INVESTMENTS

Farrer House Rental income 1,326,010 1,249,494

Revaluation Farrer House 6,692 (18,236)1,332,702 1,231,258

LESS

Income tax expense 8,889 8,800 Building Expenses 507,672 520,641

816,141 701,817

PUBLIC COMPANY INVESTMENTS

Dividends received 361,596 378,786 Market revaluation of listed investments 138,789 1,491,725

500,385 1,870,511 LESS

Investment Manager - fees 71,421 75,271428,964 1,795,240

Interest Paid 412,462 599,549

Net income from Investments 832,643 1,897,508

Total surplus for year 197,030 1,945,688

Reclassification from Equity - (317,970)

Comprehensive income for the year ( per Statutory accounts ) 197,030 1,627,718

2013 $

2014 $


EXECUTIVE REPORTS

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash on hand and on short term deposit with banks 804,261 2,314,285

Debtors 650,141 513,418

Prepaid insurances and software licenses 113,355 136,921

Listed investments - managed by Credit Suisse (includes GNC shares) 7,525,216 8,706,127

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 9,092,973 11,670,751

NON CURRENT ASSETS

Investment in 12% of units in National Farmers Federation House 516,180 516,180

Office furniture and equipment 82,622 42,300

VFF office fitout 801,635 971,999

Investment in proportion of Farrer House occupied by VFF offices 3,531,670 3,531,670

Investment in proportion of Farrer House occupied by tenants 14,368,330 14,368,330

TOTAL NON CURRENT ASSETS 19,300,437 19,430,479

TOTAL ASSETS 28,393,410 31,101,230

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Creditors 840,613 1,019,122

Current tax liabilities 8,564 8,784

Secured margin loan borrowing with Credit Suisse 2,800,000 2,495,000

Commodity funds placed on call with the VFF - unsecured 867,201 915,899

Member subscriptions paid in advance 771,817 740,412

Project funds received prior to project start 190,839 119,250

VFF Disaster Relief Fund & other advances received 317,617 317,970

Employee annual and long service leave provided 323,779 407,244

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 6,120,430 6,023,681

NON CURRENT LIABILITIES

Westpac borrowing secured over Farrer House 2,999,656 5,999,656

Long service leave provided 19,802 21,401

TOTAL NON CURRENT LIABILITIES 3,019,458 6,021,057

TOTAL LIABILITIES 9,139,888 12,044,738

NET ASSETS 19,253,522 19,056,492

EQUITY

Reserves arising from revaluations of Farrer House 10,187,613 10,180,921

Retained Surpluses:

- Net commodity group surpluses and losses 1,405,241 1,081,392

- Accumulated VFF profits & losses 7,660,668 7,794,179

TOTAL EQUITY 19,253,522 19,056,492

2013 $

2014 $

Victorian Farmers Federation Group of CompaniesCONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (STATEMENT OF ‘FINANCIAL POSITION’) AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2014


EXECUTIVE REPORTS

VFF Media Report MAIN ISSUES:

The last twelve months have been issue packed for VFF communications. Our key priority for the financial year was dedicated to increasing our level of engagement with members, media and stakeholders.

In an election year (2014) much of our focus centred on putting members’ interests first and ensuring that key VFF policy and commodity specific issues gained significant media and political attention.

Animal activism remained high on the agenda, as well rural rating, campaigning for better and more efficient rail and rural infrastructure for farmers, onshore gas and GM farmer forums as well as policy debates.

The “Your Voice, Your VFF” concept of re-engaging and energizing the membership was also key to communications. Getting our local members engaged at both a policy and media level and understanding local issues was a high priority.

Further face to face engagement with members and social media training were rolled out which also formed a key part of our media strategy to engage with local branches. A key component of VFF Communications has been getting members active at a grassroots level. Through both our increased local media presence and stronger emphasis on engaging with rural Victoria this has certainly been achieved.

VFF IN THE PRESS:

With more than 150 media releases in 2014 and more than 70 complete in 2015 to date, and more VFF representatives profiled in local, state and national press than ever before, VFF grew its presence.

VFF Communications has worked hard to engage metropolitan media in both Victoria and nationally to increase the brand reputation of the VFF. Working closer with our State Farming Organisations has also played a pivotal role in ensuring greater traction with campaigns.

Commodity Presidents and Committee Chairs also maintained a strong presence in the media. We led numerous social and on the ground media campaigns and have made communications an integral part of VFF day-to-day life.

Mainstream media presence grew significantly with more appearances on major networks, 7, 9, ABC, SBS and Network 10. The VFF also reached mainstream media talking with Triple M Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane as well as Nova FM Melbourne, JoyFM and Kiss FM. We have also worked hard to strengthen our regional presence, as is reflected in our increased regional events and engagement strategy over 2015.

MEMBER ALERTS:

Specific member alerts on key issues affecting VFF members were crucial over the last year. Member alerts have been issued on a range of issues ranging from drought concessional loans, Free Trade Agreements, State election policy updates, telecommunications surveys and news alerts. These have been designed to actively inform and interact with members on both campaigns and news issues.

COMMODITY COMMUNICATIONS:

All VFF commodities have continued with their specific communications as well – issuing online and printed newsletters – and at times industry alerts. These have proven to be highly effective in targeting individual groups. For example, we have also stepped up our regional specific alerts to ensure that those who in live in the North or South West of the state receive the specific updated that affect their locality (or seasonality).

VFF MORE ACTIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA THAN EVER BEFORE

The VFF has stepped up its social media activity across all platforms including; Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. Social media and specifically campaigning on social media has been a key strength in our ability to run successful and influential campaigns.

Commodities on social media and also more VFF members on social media than ever before amplified our reach. The United Dairyfarmers of Victoria, VFF Grains Group, VFF Livestock Group and overall the VFF grew its social media presence by more than 45% in the last 12 months.

VFF Account

Twitter followers 2014: 5,220 Twitter followers 2015: 7,121

UDV Account

Twitter followers 2014: 305 Twitter followers 2015: 626

VFF Grains Account

Twitter followers 2014: 726 Twitter followers 2015: 1,115

YAPs Account

Twitter followers 2014: 3,980 Twitter followers 2015: 5,377

YAPs Facebook 2014: 835 YAPs Facebook 2015: 1,560

YAPs Instagram: 214

VFF Livestock Account

Twitter followers 2014: 700 Twitter followers 2015: 1,845

VFF Facebook Page

Facebook ‘likes’ 2014: 1,919 Facebook ‘likes’ 2015: 3,000

LinkedIn was also established as well as Instagram accounts for both VFF and YAPs. Additionally our use of YouTube has also increased.


EXECUTIVE REPORTS

HIGHLIGHTS

Victorian State Election campaign – Engaging local members

By far one of the biggest tasks for VFF communications over the last year was the 2014 State Election campaign. We wanted to ensure that the VFF was heard at every level – we ran community election forums, engaged online, submitted numerous opinion pieces, conducted doorstop press interviews and saw more local VFF spokespeople getting involved in the press.

State election “Meet the Candidate Forums” were hosted in Casterton (Lowan electorate), Benalla (Euroa electorate) and a rates forum was held in Kilcunda. A substantial election table was also published on the VFF website which listed the Federation’s key priority areas and measured them against all major parties commitments.

Our increased media presence paid dividends, relentless social media interaction and face-to-face meeting with local MPs saw VFF achieve key election wins.

Barnawartha Boycott

Activating a vocal social media audience and turning that into a physical presence has also been a highlight for the VFF this year. The VFF and the NSW Farmers Association worked in close partnership over 2015 to put a spotlight on the red meat processing sector and the detrimental effects it’s having on farm gate prices. This prompted both the organisations to instigate a #BarnaBoycott hashtag on Twitter and then followed it up with a public meeting in Barnawartha which brought almost 300 producers together. More than 22 media were present at the rally – with the outcome to call for a Federal Senate Inquiry – of which the VFF and NSW Farmers groups were successful in achieving.

Free Trade Agreements – FTA 4 Farmers Campaign

The VFF with the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria led the media and community campaign for a free trade deal with China, engaging farmer members at meetings on the issue and highlighting its long-term value. The campaign engaged with local members and media to realise the potential a good FTA deal would have. Working close with allied partners such as Australian Dairyfarmers – a great result for VFF dairy farm members was achieved.

Victorian farmers put frozen berries on the shelf

In the wake of the Hepatitis A scare from imported frozen berries earlier in 2015, VFF members Matt and Ruth Gallace on the Mornington Peninsula came up with a solution to ensure Australians have access to quality, local frozen berries. It quickly became on the biggest media issues of the year. For the VFF it firstly reinforced the need to voice our need for consumers to buy local and secondly it opened a massive marketing opportunity to sell our members and their hard work in getting high quality, safe and affordable produce on consumer shelves. The frozen berries “Matilda’s” and the Gallace’s efforts were publicly supported by Federal Senator Bridget McKenzie, and Fiona Nash.

Television coverage Ten News, SBS News, Seven News, ABC News.

Radio Nova FM Melbourne, 3AW, 2UE Sydney, 2GB Sydney, ABC Rural.

Printed Press The Age, Herald Sun, Weekly Times, Sydney Morning Herald, Brisbane Courier Mail, Adelaide Advertiser, Shepparton Country News, Daily Telegraph, Good Food Guide.

Telecommunications in rural Victoria

The VFF instigated further initiatives to ensure members and rural Victorian’s had their say on issues. We launched an online survey to gauge member feedback through a targeted survey for all rural Victorian’s to complete on the quality, speed and cost of their internet and mobile connections. This issue also formed a key part of the 2015 VFF Annual Conference.

Tax Reform

Continuing the trend with engaging VFF members - we launched a survey into tax reform. The VFF is developing a comprehensive policy in response to the Federal government’s push for tax and GST reforms, which it will take to the next Federal election. This will form a key part of both policy and communication activity over the next year. This issue also formed a key part of the 2015 VFF Annual Conference.

VFF takes on animal activists

Standing up for our members is always important, but over the last year the VFF have increased its level of both proactive and reactive responses. VFF Egg and Pig Groups led the charge in advocating for stronger penalties for animal activists found guilty of trespassing farmer properties. In 2015, VFF led the campaign to discredit the ridiculous campaign led by activist group PETA. The group painted “ a bloody” picture of the shearing industry with a fake lamb and rockstar at the helm of their campaign. Their imagery and words were meant to “accurately describe the realities of the wool industry”. Of which it did not. The VFF, prompted by members and encouraged by the farming public took a stand. We lodged a submission to the Advertising Standards Bureau to dispute the false allegations and campaign and hit major metro press. The VFF response received significant air time on Channel Ten’s The Project, ABC 730, SBS News, Triple M, 2UE, 3AW and all major rural networks.

VFF standing up and fighting on behalf of our members in the public media space was an important moment not only to defend reputation of our members, but to proactively promote our industry.

Onshore Gas

Increased communications as well as regional forums on onshore gas led into the state election. This also followed on from the establishment of the Gippsland Mining and Gas Taskforce. Farmer forums were a key feature of VFF activity over the last 12 months and continue to form a crucial part of our communications.

Rates campaign gathers momentum

The battle for fairer rural rates picked up pace with the VFF getting MP Paul Weller to lodge a petition in Parliament calling for an inquiry into “the fairness and equity of the local government rating system in rural and regional areas to find a more equitable way to apply rates to farmers”. The VFF followed this with grassroots media campaign which saw the petition get more than 3,000 signatures. The VFF is still continuing its battle for fairer rural rates in 2015 .

Heart of Victoria 2014 and 2015

2014 saw a record crowd flock to the Heart of Victoria with more than 900 in attendance. The Heart of Victoria, run in conjunction with the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, received significant media and social media attention, firmly putting it on the map as the “go to” and landmark agricultural and agribusiness event of the year. The event has since been replicated by WA Farmers who rolled out their first HOV in 2014.


EXECUTIVE REPORTS

Farm representation

The review of farm representation in Australia continues to be a big issue. VFF have worked closely with the NFF and other peak farming groups in communicating the “Streamline and Strengthen” review. The VFF has played a key role in the communications of farm representation.

KEY CAMPAIGNS OVER THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS

• State Election 2014 – VFF communications worked engaging with members at the branch level.

• #DemandLocalSupply Campaign – aimed at getting more Australian fresh produce on consumer shelves and also engaging with producers.

• Free Trade Agreement – better deal for farmers.

• Rates.

• Run 4 Farmer Health Campaign – (supporting the National Centre for Farmer Health)- VFF communications led the effort to #Run4FarmerHealth with more than 120 farmers and industry taking part in the Melbourne Marathon. Almost $25,000 was raised and the new Labor government committed to keep the Centre alive, injecting $4 million over four years into the organisation, which was one of the VFF’s key election priorities.

• Tax Reform – getting member feedback through online surveys and pre-conference discussion.

• Telecommunications - getting member feedback through online surveys and pre-conference discussion.

LOOKING FORWARD

VFF communications will firmly look at continuing to increase our regional presence through upskilling our local representatives. It is crucial that we identify local VFF champions who can speak about issues first-hand.

Key issues for the VFF will centre around policy, namely tax reform, rates, animal welfare and GST. These will form a crucial part of the communication and engagement strategy for the next year. We will also continue to work closely in building good relationships with all sides of government and stakeholders.

We will focus intently on member engagement and feedback and continue to run media, communications and social media training for members. We will also continue to work with other State Farmer Organisations and like-minded stakeholder groups in collaborating on both campaigns and initiatives that impact upon our members.

Positioning the VFF as an effective and powerful lobby group where our members’ voices are heard and echoed throughout the community and in particular the media will remain priority.


EXECUTIVE REPORTS

Farrer House Building ReportThe Board with expertise of the Building sub-committee consisting of Mike Shaw, David Jochinke and Max Jelbart has implemented a strategy to enhance the return from Farrer House. This strategy has been based on a planned schedule of critical maintenance and capital works focussed on those elements that enhance the value of tenancies.

While there has been a significant investment made in the building, some $1.7m over the past three years, the investment is paying off. Annual rental increased by 6.1% to $1,326,010 as a result of new tenants and annual tenant rental increases of 3.5%. Building operational expenditure (excluding depreciation aside) was reduced by 2.5% to $507,672.

• Shortly after financial year end an unprecedented 100% overall building occupancy rate was achieved, and with the majority of tenants are now contracted for leases of two years or more. The Melbourne City Property Office Market Digest for similar grade buildings has indicated a 12.8% average vacancy rate.

• The ground floor lease with MacDonald’s ends in 2015. Discussions are underway with MacDonald’s as well as other existing and potential tenants for this space, and alternative tenancy strategies and configurations are under consideration by the Building Subcommittee. The objective of this strategy is to increase total rental income by approximately 15%.

The Board has resolved to maintain the Farrer House property value at the 2013 financial year $17.9m independent valuation.

During the year capital expenditure of $160,640 was incurred in:

a) Refurbishing or clearing empty tenancies for new tenants, and in order to attract suitable potential tenants.

b) The stage 1 capital expenditure components for a major lift upgrade occurring in 2015.

A further $85,000 of lift upgrade costs will be incurred in early 2015, and the Building Sub-committee has identified of up to a further $240,000 building infrastructure costs (including electrical switchboard replacement), façade cleaning and maintenance and vacant tenancy clearing costs.

On a further encouraging note, an independent specialist façade contractor carried out extensive tests during 2014 which confirmed that the building’s marble exterior remains well attached to the building structure, and is in sound condition.


COMMITTEE REPORTS

Workplace RelationsREPORT

Education and Training

As a result of our lobbying last year a Food and Fibre Career’s Officer Heidi Knowles was appointed to the role of working with other careers advisors in schools to educate them on opportunities in the Food and Fibre area. The project which is funded for 18 months will identify 10 schools for Heidi to work with. The aim of the project is to promote, encourage and provide information about careers in agriculture.

The Food and Fibre Careers Officer sees education as key to meeting the workforce demand in the food and fibre industry. And with the vision to double farm production by 2030, there is a critical need to broaden our vision of food and fibre with its connection to everyday life. The Food and Fibre Careers Project aims to connect Victorian secondary school career’s practitioners with relevant career pathways. Heidi is leading the charge in getting schools excited about the different career pathways for students into the food and fibre industry. Information is tailored to the individual school curriculum, with the premise that no matter what subject secondary school student elect at any year level, they will be aware of the career opportunities available in the food and fibre industries. For more information please contact Heidi on 0458 010 386.

Review of Modern Awards

Last year the NFF appeared in the Fair Work Commission in the Modern Awards Review 2012. The travel allowance in the Pastoral Award was an issue in the review and the conclusion the Commissioner made was that the issue must be decided by a full bench. The four year review of the modern awards is scheduled this year and this issue will no doubt arise again in the Fair Work Commission. With the four year review a more in-depth assessment of the awards will be made by the Fair Work Commission.

Migration Laws

Tougher laws surrounding engaging illegal workers were made just before the Labor Government lost power. The VFF Workplace Relations team has developed an Engaging a Contractor Kit to provide guidance to employers who engage contractors. Material in the kit assists employers to deal with their obligations.

Another important step that VFF is taking is lobbying the Federal Government to remove the new onus placed on farmers who engage contractors to ensure that they do not have illegals working for them. Sometimes this is a difficult task as farmers may not be privy to the individual status of people who are a directly engaged by the contractor.

Quad Bikes

Quad bikes are still on the agenda and the debate over anti-crush devices is still occurring. The VFF have lobbied for more research to be conducted and this is occurring currently. The VFF is expecting in April this year some research findings will be made available.

COMMITTEE PRESIDENT

Meg Parkinson

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

(VFFWRC)

• Meg Parkinson

• Alan Bowman

• Colin Coates

• James Dennis

• Simone Renyard

(VFFIA)

• Meg Parkinson

• Alan Bowman

• Susan Finger

• Geoff Fisken

• Simone Renyard

• Ian Feldtmann (31/1/14)


COMMITTEE REPORTS

POLICY AREA BACKGROUND ACHIEVEMENTS/OUTCOMES REASON

OH &S induction material

Farming employers have a busy workplace and are time strapped. The VFF workplace Relations team has recognised this fact and developed induction programmes for its membership.

Farmers can use these documents to record the induction process. Also some essential policies are included.

• General Farm Induction;• Induction of Quad Bike;• Induction of telehandlers

To provide assistance to members when inducting employees or contractors.

Providing advice to Farmer employers on modern awards and the national employment standards

The VFF Workplace Relations Department gives wage, fair dismissal advice, and related industrial relations information.

Helping members with matters before the ombudsman- such as, underpayment of wages, record keeping. Assisting members terminate employers due to unsatisfactory performance but under a fair process.

Settlement of underpayment of wages- not proceeding to court;

Unfair dismissals – all settled.

Migration laws Last year before the change of Government, the laws surrounding employment and engaging illegal workers were passed. The legislation also made it easier for prosecutions to be successful by removing the requirement to prove a state of mind in proceedings for a civil penalty order. This means that a person may contravene a civil provision without knowing or being reckless as to the status of a foreign person’s working rights but still will be liable.

The Workplace Relations has produced “Engaging A Contractor” to assist the VFF membership with this issue.

On-going lobbying to make the laws fairer to farmers.

POLICY AREAS FOR 2014-15

LOOKING FORWARD

In accordance with section 156 of the Fair Work Act 2009 the Fair Work Commission (the Commission) must review all modern awards every four years including the horticultural and pastoral award. In the four yearly review, the Commission may make one or more determinations varying modern awards and each modern award to be reviewed in its own right. Award flexibility will be a key issue for the farming sector as will the travel allowance under the pastoral award. The farming community will also be looking forward to the current research being published later this year concerning quad bike safety.


COMMITTEE REPORTS

Water Council

COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Richard Anderson

COUNCIL MEMBERS

• Kain Richardson, Central

• Bruce Diffey, North East

• Keith Fischer, Wimmera-Mallee

• Neil Gannon, East Gippsland

• Andrew Leahy, North West

• Bill McClumpha, Sunraysia

• James McKeown, Northern

• Meg Parkinson, Gippsland

• Basil Ryan, Western

• Vacant, South Western

REPORT

In a State election year and in anticipation of a Federal Agricultural Competitiveness Paper the Water Council has been focused on lobbying for investment in irrigation infrastructure. The Southern Tinamba pipeline and the modernisation of the Werribee Irrigation District are “shovel ready”. These projects would help expand agricultural production in horticulture and dairy industries in southern Victoria. We have also been lobbying for the completion of business cases and feasibility studies for the Lindenow Valley and the Bunyip Irrigated Agriculture Project, ensuring that there is on-going planning for water for agriculture. The VFF has also been meeting with the State Government to discuss the urgent need for domestic and stock pipelines for the Wedderburn and Mitiamo regions.

The VFF is continuing to engage with the State and Federal Governments about supporting farmers to invest in works to improve on-farm water use efficiency. The on-farm efficiency program run by the Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority has been very successful. The VFF has been lobbying for support to be provided to farmers in other irrigation districts and direct diverters.

The VFF made a submission to the Victorian Draft Floodplain Management Strategy released in 2014 before the State election. We opposed the proposed cost-sharing arrangements where farmers would be subsidising the cost of urban levees which deliver private benefits for home and business owners. With the Andrews’ Government’s commitment to re-consult on the strategy there will be another chance to make our point.

The VFF continues to engage with GMW about issues in the roll-out of the Connections Project. We have also raised concerns with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and the Victorian Auditor-General. We discussed concerns about the impact of differences between the assumptions in the business case and what is happening on the ground. For example fewer irrigators drying off than anticipated will impact on the cost estimates. We also raised concerns about the perverse outcomes from trying to meet the reporting milestones. For example whilst standard meters are to be installed as part of compliance with the National Water Initiative, there are still opportunities to rationalise where appropriate, rather than simply installing meters whether they are needed or not in order to meet a milestone. The Commonwealth Government will be conducting a mid-term review, commencing in May 2015. The VFF sees this as an opportunity to address the problems which have arisen.

The implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan is creating new and different challenges. The VFF, through the NFF Water Taskforce, has been applying pressure on the Federal Government to legislate the 1500GL cap on buybacks. We are also working with the Victorian Government to back this position.

The VFF continues to support the efficient use of water by farmers and by the environment. The operation of the Sustainable Diversions Limit (SDL) Adjustment Mechanism is complex. On-farm works (efficiency measures) mean that farmers can use less water but still achieve the same outcome. Likewise environmental works (supply measures) ensure that the environmental objectives can be achieved with less water. These measures will be particularly important when allocations are less than 100%.


COMMITTEE REPORTS


Investment in irrigation infrastructure

Following substantial investment in water infrastructure in Northern Victoria, the VFF has been lobbying the federal and state governments to fund modernisation and efficiency projects in Southern Victoria.

Key projects include:

• Southern Tinamba pipeline in the Macalister Irrigation District

• Werribee Modernisation Project• Lindenow Valley project• Stage 1 of the Bunyip Irrigated

Agriculture Project

The VFF was disappointed that the 2015-16 budget did not include any commitments to fund irrigation infrastructure. We called for the State Government to spend the money collected under the Environmental Contributions Levy on these projects.

The VFF included these projects in our State Election Priorities List, pre-budget submission and submission to the Federal Agricultural Competitiveness Paper.

The VFF has met with the new state Minister and the Department to highlight the value of these projects.

Building stock and domestic pipelines

Farmers in the Wedderburn and Mitiamo regions do not have access to secure and reliable water for domestic and stock use.

A working group has been convened to investigate water supply options for the Wedderburn region.

Progress on developing the Mitiamo pipeline has stalled.

The VFF included these projects in our State Election Priorities List, pre-budget submission and submission to the review of Regional Development Victoria.

The VFF has met with the new Minister and representatives of the Department to highlight these projects.

On-farm irrigation efficiency works

The current program is only open to customers in the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District who have been connected to the backbone. Demand is expected to exceed funding.

The State Budget 2015-16 includes $3.9 million investment in irrigation. Approximately a third of this is for compliance with the salinity management requirements of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and the remainder will be split between whole-farm planning in the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District and whole-farm planning and works in the Macalister Irrigation District.

The Federal Budget 2015-16 includes new measures which will allow all primary producers to immediately deduct capital expenditure on water facilities such as dams, tanks, bores, irrigation channels, pumps, water towers and windmills, from 1 July 2016.

The VFF lobby for funding to be extended for irrigators in other districts and for eligibility to be expanded.

The VFF proposed an investment allowance, alongside existing accelerated depreciation provisions, to encourage investment in more efficient water infrastructure in our submission to the Agricultural Competitiveness Green Paper.

Flood levees The Environment and Natural Resources Committee conducted an inquiry into flood mitigation infrastructure in August 2012. The Coalition Government released a draft Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy for comment in mid-2014. The final version was not released before the recent election.

The Labor Government is expected to release a new draft Strategy for consultation.

The VFF submission opposed the proposed cost-sharing arrangements where farmers would be subsidising the cost of urban levees which deliver private benefits for home and business owners.

Connections Project

A Commonwealth and Victorian government investment of $2 billion to modernise the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District and deliver 425GL of water savings.

The VFF has raised concerns about the Connections Project with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and the Victorian Auditor-General.

The VFF continues to monitor the roll-out of the Connections Project.

We have raised concerns with GMW about how landholders are being treated, in particular those who have been in the process for a long time but with little resolution.



COMMITTEE REPORTS


Murray-Darling Basin Plan

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority released its Basin-wide environmental watering strategy.

The final strategy notes that the strategies need to be delivered “…within the context of not creating unacceptable third party impacts or creating additional risks to the reliability of water entitlements”.

The VFF submission to the draft Basin-wide Environmental Watering Strategy argued that environmental water needs to be used efficiently and that third party impacts have to be managed acceptably.

Sustainable Diversions Limit (SDL) Adjustment Mechanism

In November 2012 the Federal Parliament agreed to allow the adjustment of the sustainable diversion limit to achieve enhanced environmental and socioeconomic outcomes. Supply and efficiency projects will both be considered.

The Federal Minister will decide any changes in 2016.

The VFF continues to meet with the Federal Department of Environment and provide input to the design and development of the next on-farm efficiency program including the proportion of water savings to be returned, the effect of the market multiplier, eligibility and key risks in delivery and reporting.


LOOKING FORWARD

The Water Council will continue to protect and enhance water security for agricultural use. We will persist in our attempts to secure funding for water infrastructure across Victoria.

We will maintain our oversight of the Connections and Sunraysia Modernisation projects, ensuring that the State and Federal governments are accountable for infrastructure spending.

We will seek to engage the State and Federal governments on strategic thinking and planning for the future of water in agriculture. We want to open discussions about expanded trading zones, unbundling of groundwater, management of water in unregulated systems and use of spills and pre-releases.


COMMITTEE REPORTS


COMMITTEE PRESIDENT

David Jochinke

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

• Christine Plant

• Geoff Crick

• Chris Nixon

• Sarah Parker

REPORT

The Farm Business and Regional Development Committee focussed on municipal rates, broader taxation issues, foreign investment, and transport regulations.

The VFF Rates Petition, with 3,300 signatures on the hard copy and over 700 signatures online, was tabled in Parliament in mid-September ahead of the 2014 Victorian State Election. The Petition, which called on the Legislative Assembly to conduct an Inquiry into the fairness and equity of the rural rating system, has been the corner-stone of the VFF’s Rates campaign for several years. Unfortunately the VFF did not gain a commitment from Labor or the Coalition to an Inquiry prior to the 2014 election, but is continuing to progress the sustainability of local government into 2015. Local government rates continue to be a key issue into 2015, with the VFF actively engaged in discussions around the application of the Victorian Government rate cap.

The Committee developed a comprehensive Foreign Investment policy in response to the recent interest in takeover-bids from Saputo for Warrnambool Cheese and Butter, and the failed ADM bid for Graincorp. The policy now includes a set of over-arching principles, in addition to the existing policies around the establishment of a Foreign Investment Register and triggers and criteria for the Foreign Investment Review Board National Interest Test.

The VFF has successfully sought to reinvigorate the VicRoads Rural Reference Group. Following the establishment of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and restructuring at VicRoads the Rural Reference Group lapsed. The establishment of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has resulted in ongoing concerns and a lack of clarity around the regulation of heavy vehicles. Furthermore the VFF is also aware of a series of traffic fines handed out to farmers on dubious grounds.

With the Federal Government committing to develop a Taxation White Paper, the debate of GST Resolutions at the VFF’s 2014 Annual Conference, and ongoing media interest in the issue of applying GST to food the Committee has developed a Taxation Discussion Paper. The Discussion Paper will be used to consult the VFF’s member-ship on how to address a variety of tax issues including municipal rates, payroll tax, stamp duty, and managed investment schemes.

Parts of Western Victoria have been drought affected, making farmers in these areas eligible for drought concessional loans. The VFF has expressed concerns with the accuracy and appropriateness of the system to assess eligibility for these concessional loans, which is based on Bureau of Meteorology rainfall deficiency maps. We have expressed our concerns both through the NFF Drought Taskforce and through the VFF’s submission on the Agricultural Competitiveness Green Paper. Concessional loans have been made available in Victoria.


COMMITTEE REPORTS


Municipal Rates Reduce unfair burden on farmers, through an increase in Federal funds to Local Governments and change in grant formula to assist regional Local Government.

The VFF continued to fight unfair rating at a number of rural and regional councils. The Rural City of Mildura, the Rural City of Ararat, and Bass Coast Shire were all targeted for their draft rating strategies that proposed unfair rate increases for farmers.

On the broader scale the VFF made significant progress on its hard-copy Rates Petition and launched an online rates petition to support this.

A substantial project was a complete analysis of the municipal rates payable across council regions in Victoria and the proportions of rates which are payable by farmers.

This analysis was compiled in the report “Inequities in Rural Rating” issued by the VFF.

The Rates Petition provided a useful demonstration that rates are an important issue to the VFF and farmers. The Petition also allowed farmers to be involved in the VFF’s advocacy, and gave direct evidence that the VFF was doing something about Municipal Rates. The VFF gained repeated media coverage on our Rates Petition, which was valuable in raising the profile of the issue.

The VFF established a Local Government Sustainability Roundtable was aimed at building relationships with other key local government stakeholders, and ultimately seeking stakeholder support for an Inquiry into local government sustainability.

The Roundtable was useful to further develop our thinking on local government sustainability and gave us an opportunity to meet with other key stakeholders, including the Municipal Association of Victoria.

Local government budgets are a key area of interest for our members, and supporting the local drive for farm rate differentials is important. Most recently the Bass Coast Shire approved an increase to the farm differential rate.

It is critical the VFF continues to push for longer-term reform of local government rating. The VFF will engage in the discussions which will progress through the consideration of the state governments policy of implementing

The VFF will engage actively in the rates capping debate as the Essential Services Commission considers how to implement the State government’s election commitment to cap local government rate increases at CPI.

Standardisation of Rail

Gain a commitment from the State Government to standardise the Victorian rail freight network.

As part of campaigning for the pre-budget submission, the State Election, the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, and a Victorian Government Senate enquiry the VFF has stepped up its public calls for rail standardisation.

In the lead up to the 2014 State elections, the VFF gained a commitment from the then Coalition Government for up to $220 million for the upgrade and standardisation of the North West rail freight corridor – from Mildura to Geelong.

In the State Budget 2015-2016, the Andrew’s Labor government has committed $30 million towards the project in the 2015-2015 financial years, with up to $220 million to be provided for the balance of the project between 2017-2018.

The VFF is concerned that the funding for the next stage in the project is not committed for the coming financial year. While the business case is still to be made publically available, the VFF will continue to pursue full funding of the standardisation of the network.



COMMITTEE REPORTS


Taxation Policy Develop a discussion paper, engage with our membership to determine policies and advocate these policies through the Federal Governments White Paper process.

A discussion paper on options for taxation reform has been drafted for the consideration of membership.

The VFF has hosted seven policy forums across Victoria to inform members about taxation issues and to seek feedback from membership.

Feedback from members will be presented at the 2015 VFF conference.

Member feedback from the policy forums has enabled the VFF to understand the variety of views amongst membership on taxation issues.

On the basis of further feedback and policy development at the VFF conference, the VFF will develop a formalised position on taxation which will be used to advocate at the Federal level.

Fire Services Property Levy

Following extensive lobbying from the VFF, the State Government removed the Fire Services Levy on insurance premiums and introduced a Fire Services Property Levy. The FSPL included a single farm enterprise exemption for farm businesses with more than one property, the levy in the last year has been set at 24.6 cents for every $1000 in CIV for primary production land.

The VFF has remained active on the FSPL issue. With the changed levy system the majority of farmers should be better off, however a number of farmers have contacted the VFF unhappy with the increase in the amount they pay for fire services.

The VFF has also helped farmers seeking the single-farm exemption.

The VFF has advocated for capping the level of the FSPL charged on periurban areas and making the FSPL based on CIV minus site-value.

The State Government has committed to review and rebalance the FSPL to make it more equitable. The VFF will advocate strongly for balance to be achieved through this process.

Ongoing work of the VFF will focus on the review of the FSPL as another opportunity to advocate for changes to the administration of the levy.

Stamp Duty Remove stamp duty on asset transfers between businesses.

VFF is still seeking the removal of Stamp Duty on asset transfers between businesses. The VFF is advocating this change through its State Election Policy Priorities and the development of a Taxation Discussion Paper.

The VFF has and will continue to progress this matter through our response to the Federal governments taxation discussion paper.

Energy costs Reduce the costs of energy to farm businesses.

The VFF strongly opposed the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET), and was successful in seeing this abolished under the state Coalition government.

Unfortunately, the Andrews Labor Government has committed to continue and expand the VEET Scheme.

The VFF have provided a submission to the State government, outlining our opposition to the VEET. We have sought that agricultural technologies be included into the scheme.

Drought Policy Ensure drought policy provides both incentives for drought preparedness and support for severe drought.

Federal Government drought support has been rolled out in New South Wales and Queensland – largely limited to drought concessional loans and farm household allowance.

Concessional loans have been extended to Victorian farmers, however there have been a number of members noting difficulty in being accepted for a loan.

There are issues with the eligibility criteria for drought concessional loans – most notably the reliance on Bureau of Meteorology rainfall modelling and maps. This will be an area where the VFF will continue to focus.

The VFF have worked with the NFF to advocate for improvements to loan criteria and for a more complete drought policy package from the Federal Government (see correspondence).



COMMITTEE REPORTS


Foreign Investment There has been much interest in foreign investment issues over the past couple of year, with increased interest from overseas investors in Australian agribusiness.

• The VFF seeks to ensure that there is transparency in foreign investment and that it benefits the Victorian agricultural industry.

The VFF has sought a foreign investment register and the reduction of the FIRB threshold to $5m.

The Federal Government has commit-ted to establishing a Register and has set a FIRB threshold for agricultural land of $15m in recent Free Trade Agreements.

The VFF has also agreed to a more comprehensive foreign investment policy – including ensuring that there is a comprehensive land register in place.

In 2015, the Feral government has announced measures for increased scrutiny in foreign investment in agriculture by reducing the screening threshold for agricultural land was lowered from $252 million to $15 million and placing a $55 million threshold on investment in agribusinesses.

Further, the Federal government will be establishing an agricultural land register from 1 July 2015.

Payroll Tax Reduce the cost of payroll tax on agricultural businesses. Increase the payroll tax threshold for business in regional Victoria.

The State Government lowered the payroll tax rate from 4.9% to 4.85%. However, the Government and the opposition have not committed to change the threshold.

Through the development of the VFF taxation policy and advocacy to the Federal government, the VFF have and will continue to advocate for an increase to the payroll tax threshold.

Victoria has the lowest payroll tax threshold in Australia – $550,000. This is a clear disincentive to increase employment in small to medium sized businesses. New South Wales and Western Australia both have thresholds of 750,000, while Queensland has a tax free threshold of $1.1 million.


LOOKING FORWARD

In 2015/2016, the focus of the Farm Business and Regional Development Committee will be on rates capping and local government sustainability and advocating taxation policy at both the State and Federal levels.

Our first priority will be targeting municipal rates and broader local government sustainability issues. The Committee will also look at broader taxation policy issues through further development of the VFF Taxation discussion paper with a view to influencing taxation reform through the Commonwealth Taxation White Paper.

In addition the Committee will develop a more detailed foreign investment policy, continue to advocate for improved heavy vehicle regulation and retention of primary producer registrations, and work with the NFF to advocate for longer-term drought policies.

We will also maintain our focus on assisting local branches with local government budgets, advocating important infrastructure We will continue to work with local branches to influence the local government budgets and also keep a broader view of the industry by advocating the important medium to long term investments for the industry through infrastructure investment and investment in Research and development.


COMMITTEE REPORTS

Land Management Committee

COMMITTEE PRESIDENT

Gerald Leach

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

• Alex Arbuthnot

• Peter Star

• Judy Clements

• Kain Richardson

• Artur Muchow (FTLA Delegate)

REPORT

Policy development on bushfire, mining policy and land use planning dominated the agenda for the Land Management Committee in over 2014 and 2015.

In the lead up to the 2014 bushfire season, the Land Management Committee finalised a comprehensive Bushfire Management Policy and presented it to Government.

Following the devastating stock losses of the 2013-2014 bushfires, the State Government has acknowledged the need to prioritise access without delay to care for livestock and protect farm assets.

The Land Management Committee is pleased to see that state emergency agencies have responded by prioritising the animal welfare considerations of farmers during and after bushfires. It is hoped that improved government protocols for management roadblocks will give farmers expedited access to their properties during and after bushfires.

Local government planning and the proliferation of dwelling proposals in farming areas were also a key issues over 2014 and 2015,

A planning permit application for an intensive weaner operation on the edge of Echuca West caused an extensive the right to farm dispute.

Months of debate, negotiation, navigating objectors, and dealing with referral authorities finally culminated in success for the VFF member- winning council approval to continue his farming business.

This case highlighted flaws in existing land use planning definitions for intensive animal husbandry. Accordingly, the Land Management took up the issue and developed an Intensive Animal Husbandry policy.

The VFF Gippsland Mining and Gas Taskforce, a sub-committee of the Land Management Committee, demonstrated is valuable contribution in strengthening the VFF’s mining policy and developing information on farmers’ rights. It will continue to have a significant role in 2015, engaging with farmers to better understand concerns regarding onshore gas and preparing a submission to a forthcoming Parliamentary Inquiry.

As in previous years the committee had a strong focus in assisting individual members with many land management issues, including providing advice on:

• dealing with mining companies

• bushfire prevention and recovery

• land use planning issues

• native vegetation and threatened species regulation and

• weed and pest management programs


COMMITTEE REPORTS


Land Use Planning The State Government’s Reformed Rural Zones, implemented in 2013, increased flexibility for tourism and non-agricultural uses being allowed.

Residential encroachment and planning land use systems continue to be an issue for VFF members.

Farming enterprise need certainty to continue operation on land zoned for agricultural production. Non-agricultural uses and encroaching residential development can create land use conflicts and impact the growth of agriculture in Victoria.

A planning permit application for an intensive weaner operation on the edge of Echuca West took to the media an extensive the right to farm debate.

After months of negotiation, dealing with objectors and referral authorities, the VFF member received a planning permit and won the right to continue his farming business.

This case has highlighted flaws in existing land use planning definitions for intensive animal husbandry. Accordingly, the Land Management took up the issue and developed an Intensive Animal Husbandry policy.

Further, a member in Crossley successfully fought in VCAT to oppose a 10 hectare exercising of agricultural land for a dwelling. This VCAT case sets a strong precedent for where despite pressure from tree changes, a farmer took the initiative to fight for the protection of farming land from the proliferation of dwellings that are not associated with agriculture.

The VFF worked proactively with planning officers at DEPI to identify flaws in existing planning policies and investigate opportunities to strengthen the farming zone to facilitate agricultural production.

The Rural Zone Reforms of 2013 resulted in changes to zoning that would allow more non-agricultural development and subdivisions to occur in the rural areas.

The VFF will continue pursuing reforms to strengthen farming zoned land for the protection of existing farming enterprise and agriculturally productive land.

Native Vegetation The Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning (DELWP) has invited the VFF to have a representative on a stakeholder reference group for the review of the native vegetation clearing regulations.

The stakeholder reference group will meet 4-8 times over a 12-month period.

The role of the stakeholder reference group will be to raise any issues with the regulations and have input into solutions. The review will be undertaken by DELWP on behalf of the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water. The purpose of the review is to ensure the regulations can sensibly protect sensitive vegetation.

The previous State Government introduced a new process to remove vegetation. It categorised the vegetation removal permit assessment process into three different levels, having Low, Medium or High impact.

These reforms were seen as a simplification of the planning permit process, streamlining the regulatory process into three distinct categories according to significance of vegetation proposed to be removed.

The current Government has committed to a full review of the native vegetation clearing regulations, including the planning permit exemptions, the planning permit assessment process and native vegetation offsetting.

There is concern that the new State Government a further review of native vegetation clearance regulations could lead to further red tape for agriculture.

The intent of the new Governments review is not clear. The focus for the VFF will be to lobby for consistent statewide permit exemptions to allow native vegetation removal for agricultural production purposes.

Further, VFF will call for more effective market based incentives for landowners’ contribution to achieving improved biodiversity outcomes. That any net gain policies should recognise a farmers’ ability to maintain agricultural productivity and effectively offset native vegetation loss.

There is potential to improve and expand the operability of existing native vegetation clearance exemptions for the purposes of agricultural production.

Pests and Weeds The State Government has provided $5.2 million over the next two years in this years budget for local government roadside weed and pest management plans.

The VFF continues to advocate for more funding for weeds and pests control, particularly on land adjoining roadsides where local government have the legal responsibility but lack sufficient resources.

The Chair of the Land Management Committee, Gerald Leach has been appointed as the Chair of the State Government’s Steering Committee for the collaborative rabbit management strategy.

The initiative is focused on landowners, land managers and community groups working together to contribute to more effective rabbit management.

Public land managers need to take a more proactive approach in working with private landholders, particularly farmers to engage resources for fuel load reduction and pest and weed control.

Given the significant funding shortages impacting the ability of local councils to undertake effective weed and pest control, the VFF believes a public private partnership model could be adopted to increase use of adjoining landowners as a resource.



COMMITTEE REPORTS


Mining The State Government has committed to continue the existing moratorium on onshore gas exploration and development until after a Parliamentary Inquiry.

The previous Government commissioned community consultation and a groundwater science study for Victoria however the final results of these studies have not yet been made public.

The VFF will present its position to the Parliamentary Inquiry. It will focus efforts on improvements to legislative and regulatory settings that create an equal playing field between farmers and mining companies when land access, exploration and develop activities are proposed.

Over 2014 the Gippsland Mining and Gas Taskforce demonstrated is valuable contribution in strengthening VFF’s mining policy, represented VFF at Government forums and commenced developing information on farmers’ rights.

The Taskforce will continue to have a significant role in 2015, engaging with farmers to better understand concerns regarding onshore gas and preparing a submission to a forthcoming Parliamentary Inquiry.

There is concern amongst VFF membership over an onshore gas industry in Victoria and the potential that hydraulic fracturing to impact water and the environment.

Landowners are also concerned that existing legislative provisions do not provide a fair process for the farmer in negotiating with a mining or exploration company.

Accordingly, the VFF has developed a broad Mining Policy which includes recommendations for strengthening of existing legislation to protect the rights of farmers and by providing commercial payments, rather than minimum compensation for use of private assets.

Riparian Management

The State Government committed to “work with Environment Victoria, catchment management authorities and Landcare groups to develop a strategy to improve our riparian land and river ways”.

As a result of this Commitment, a Regional Riparian Action Plan Advisory Committee was established.

The Committee is due to make recommendations to the Minister for Environment by May with the Minister to make an announcement of the outcome of the Committee July 2015.

The VFF is represented on the Regional Riparian Action Plan Advisory Committee.

The VFF has maintained a strong position that fencing crown water frontages should remain voluntary.

The Advisory Committee is developing a five-year action plan to support increased investment in riparian works such as revegetation, stock management, fencing and off stream watering. The Action Plan will be based on existing priorities identified in the existing State and Catchment Management Authorities’ waterway management strategies.

The key principle for VFF’s policies around riparian management is to ensure activities remain voluntary.

A voluntary approach to riparian fencing is critical because there are substantial costs and practical issues associated with riparian management and fencing, and it should be up to landholders to decide whether to undertake it.

We have also argued that where incentives are used, they should be focussed on the most efficient and effective interventions to achieve improved health and environment outcomes.

Fire In response to devastating stock losses in recent bushfires, the State Government has acknowledged the need to give farmers and VETs access without delay to care for livestock and protect assets.

The VFF hopes that improved government protocols for management roadblocks will give farmers expedited access to their properties during and after bushfires.

There are opportunities to improve arrangements around fuel load reduction. Particularly engaging private landowners to increase resources for managing fuel loads on roadsides.

Prescribed burning on public land also requires also requires improvement. Particularly in providing fuel breaks to reduce fire spread risks to adjoining agricultural land.

The Land Management Committee finalised a comprehensive Bushfire Management Policy and presented to Government in the lead up to the 2014 – 2015 bushfire season.

State emergency agencies have respond to VFF lobbying efforts by prioritising the animal welfare considerations of farmers during and after bushfires.

The VFF represents farmers at the State Government’s Land & Fire Stakeholder Roundtable discussing key bushfire policy issues.

The VFF has engaged with State government and received media attention to lobby for improved prescribed burning performance.

The Land Management Committee finalised a comprehensive Bushfire Management Policy and presented to Government in the lead up to the 2014 – 2015 bushfire season.

VFF has attended a number of meetings with State emergency response agencies to review events of the most recent bushfire season, and identify areas for improvement.

Key areas for improvement relate to coordination between agencies, and adjoining private landowners for fuel load reduction on public land. There are also opportunities to expand native vegetation clearance permit exemptions to allow sufficient fuel breaks to be created, particularly where it adjoins heavily vegetated public land.

The VFF will continue to work with agencies responsibility for bushfire prevention, response and recovery.



COMMITTEE REPORTS


Wild Dogs The scrapping of the wild dog bounty was one of the first public policy announcements the new Government delivered.

In March 2015 the amended regulations were announced that allow on-site injections of fresh-meat baits with 1080. These means farmers could bring along their own fresh meat baits saving them money. The State Government also announced that the 1080 Bait Supply Pilot Program North East would continue to be funded.

The VFF understands that there has been considerable community effort along with Government operation officers in coordinating wild dog control.

Under the new government and the breakdown of DEPI, the operational section of the program is managed by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. While policy and in particular Wild Dog Control Advisory Committee is managed by the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources. The VFF will continue to lobby for assurances that investment in effective wild dog control is provided.

The VFF will continue lobbying for increased aerial baiting and funding for integrated community action programs to improve effectiveness of wild dog control.

It’s important that manufacturers are encouraged to facilitate the supply of fresh baits in remote locations.

Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The State Government will be preparing a new Biodiversity Conservation Strategy.

In preparing the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy the Government intends to review Victoria’s Native Vegetation Regulations as well as look at ‘modernising’ threatened species protection.

There is significant confusion amongst the farming community of how Commonwealth, state and local government regulation for native vegetating and threatened species interact. This confusion creates significant administrative burden for farming members and potential leads to enforcement action where a landowner was not aware of the requirements.

There is a significant lack of awareness of the Commonwealth threatened species legislation, the EPBC Act.

It was introduced in 1999 however protected threatened species continued to be listed adding legislative requirements for affected areas of land.

The VFF has been working closely with the NFF to look at options for a simpler offsets approach under the EPBC Act. Further, the VFF has highlighted the significant lack of compliance guidance information specific to the farming sector.

The VFF will continue advocating for delegation for administration of the EPBC Act to the State Government. Further that State and local government takes more responsibility in increasing awareness of compliance obligations under Commonwealth threatened species legislation.

There are opportunities to lobby for a simplified approach for dealing with threatened species legislation on farming land where it transitions from grazing to cropping.


LOOKING FORWARD

Looking forward, the Land Management Committee’s highest priority areas are Planning Reform, Beekeeping matters, Bushfire, Wild Dog Control, Crown Water Frontages, Native vegetation, Mining and Onshore Gas and Weeds and Pests.

The Land Management Committee wants to see the development of a stronger farming zone, which reduces the ability for third party interference and prohibits uses that are not linked to agriculture, so to protect the viability of farm businesses and reduce regulatory burden.

With funding for local councils in undertaking roadside pest and weed control concluding in 2014, the Committee will continue to call for local government to fulfil their obligations in relation to pest and weed management on roadsides.

Under the Labor Government, the most significant changes affecting land management policies are likely to relate to the new environmental policies. As such, the Land Management Committee seeks to capitalise on opportunities to lobby for a native vegetation offset system that is effective and benefits agricultural production.

With the establishment of a Parliamentary Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing and the Committee will prepare and present a submission to this Inquiry. In addition, following Government plans to loosen planning provisions around wind farm developments, wind turbine policy will also be reviewed.


COMMITTEE REPORTS

Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals CommitteeREPORT

Agvet Chemicals regulation reform

2014-15 started with the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) welcoming the reversal of the mandatory reregistration requirement which would have seen access to current and new chemicals become more expensive. The remainder of the year has seen a strong focus on reform measures and a greater consultation with industry. The driver for reform comes from the need to improve efficiencies for the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), reduce burden of regulation and ensure the most cost effective and efficient chemicals are available to farmers.

APVMA Cost Recovery

In early 2014 the VFF lodged a submission to the Federal Government on a review of the cost recovery arrangements for the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). VFF’s submission focussed on supporting the status-quo model, with 40 per cent of the APVMA’s costs recovered form chemical companies through the upfront application fee and the remaining 60 per cent recovered through sales levies. The report was consistent with the National Farmers Federation and VFF submission reflecting the importance of incentivising both large registrants and recognising that some functions undertaken by the APVMA should be a cost to government.

The remainder of the year has seen industry consultation and submissions on Minor Use Prioritisation, Use of International Data, MSDS review and Managing the risk of Low Level Agvet chemicals without an MRL.

COMMITTEE CHAIR

Peter Cochrane

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

• Alvin Gopal

• Nicola Bussell


COMMITTEE REPORTS


Managing Low-Level Agvet Chemicals without Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs)

The federal government introduced a paper proposing to set an appropriate level of MRLs for all other foods putting an end to the ‘zero tolerance’ system.

The paper also sought comment on the use of international data to set the ap-propriate level.

The VFF supported the proposal to set an appropriate level seeking assurances of a risk based approach.

The VFF also supported the consideration of international data when establishing Australian appropriate limits.

The VFF sought the introduction of a system similar to Europe’s to address the issue of false positives. It is accepted that where there is a level of uncertainty in the test results a +50 per cent tolerance exists.

The agriculture industry, particularly horticulture, has long been calling for a way to manage technical breaches.

Residues found often pose no risk to public health yet under ‘zero tolerance’ cannot legally be sold.

The consequences for farmers can include the immediate suspension from supply and prosecution.

This places a significant burden on producers yet provides retailers with no options to manage the noncompliance.

Minor Use Prioritisation Project

A Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) project has been established to assist agricultural commodities develop a list of priorities for each commodity and pest.

The aim will be for industries to identify their priorities under category A, B and C.

Category A – problem with a solution and registrant support.

Category B – problem with registrant support unclear.

Category C – problem with no solution.

The NFF and VFF have been talking to commodities (particularly smaller commodities) to ensure they are aware of the project and how they can participate.

Chemical industry stakeholders (including end users) see a need to encourage greater investment by multinational chemical companies in the Australian market.

This would lead to greater access to new chemicals for Australian farmers.

Chemicals of Security concern

In our modern world government is looking to ensure chemicals that can be used as explosive precursors are not readily available.

This needs to be balanced with the need to ensure agriculture has continued use to vital chemicals used to manage pest and diseases.

The federal government is in the process of assessing the 96 chemicals recognised as being of security concern.

The VFF has been involved in discussions with government and industry on ways to manage the risk while minimising the impact to agriculture.

Guidance material has been developed to assist agriculture and horticultural producers.

Farmers are concerned that further chemicals will become unavailable as the government considers their risk.

Fertiliser review Guidelines have been developed for the labelling of fertilisers and standards for fertiliser impurities.

These were developed to ensure purchasers and users of fertilisers in Victoria receive products of a quality and composition as specified on the label.

This redrafting presents an opportunity to codify the National Code of Practice for Fertiliser Description and Labelling.

In particular, this would involve mandating nutrient labelling requirements.

The VFF AgVet Chemical Committee provided comment to the state government on the redrafting of the current Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) (Fertilisers) Regulations 2005 which will sunset 4 October, 2015.

The Committee agreed that no changes to the current regulations are required.

Considering there have been no major issues with the Regulations as they stand, and that 95% of Australian fertiliser suppliers recognise the Code of Practice, in the interest of reducing red tape, it is advisable the Regulations remain unchanged.


LOOKING FORWARD

In 2014/15, Ag and Vet Chemical use will continue to be a major point of focus for agriculture as the federal government continues its reform agenda. The committee will continue to work with

industry and government on issues such as the Use of International Data in assessing risk, efficacy issues, crop prioritisation and groupings and other issues as they arise.


COMMODITY REPORTS

Chicken Group

COMMODITY PRESIDENT

Allan Bullen

COUNCIL MEMBERS

• Colin Peel, Vice President

• Mike Shaw, Immediate Past President

• Anthony Acciarito, Treasurer

• Chris Jones, Special Projects

• Graham Hopgood, FREPA Delegate

• Owen Shaw, Inghams Delegate

• Paul Mannes, Hazeldene Delegate

• John Scott, Hazeldene Delegate

• Brian Hepburn, Turi West Delegate

• Cheryle Evans, Baiada Delegate

REPORT

Bird Losses

The few instances of large scale bird loss have been made slightly less stressful for those involved by our emergency removal system put in place last year. Phillip Ould and Statewide Waste have coordinated extremely well together to promptly and efficiently remove the birds from the shed and take them to the composting facility for disposal.

Anyone requiring this service can contact the office or their VFF branch committee to arrange it. Statewide offer a special price to growers who are already their clients but the service is available to everyone and is far more cost effective than paying excessive tip charges as well as having approval from the EPA now that burying is not permitted.

RSPCA

As we are having little success talking to the main commercial animal section of the RSPCA which is based in Canberra, the VFF managed to arrange for the new CEO of RSPCA Victoria to visit the Bullen’s farm as she was interested to see the farming practices required to obtain accreditation including litter management. The visit was unfortunately postponed due to the greyhound industry debacle which serves to highlight to everyone why we are querying the use of rotary hoes inside chicken sheds.

VCMC

Disappointingly ILT continues to be on the increase, the VFF used its influence to invite Dr Yoni Segal Principal Veterinary Officer Poultry and Emerging Diseases to do a presentation to the recent VCMC meeting and promote some discussion about this rather worrying trend with some expert input. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Turi was not represented so the opportunity to educate everyone was missed but we feel we are now being seen as driving the discussion and have created a good relationship with the government officers who may yet be in control of what happens next.

VFF Policy Council

VFF Policy Council deals with the activities of the all the farming commodity groups, but the points of interest for chicken farmers included the application to the new state government for $100,000 funding towards a study of the industry in Victoria and ways to ensure we do not fall further behind the other states.

Animals Australia has a new publicity campaign focusing on kindness to animals, which was viewed by the council with some concern. This out and out propaganda uses images such as the famous firefighter giving the koala a drink photo and is very hard to counter head on however various options are being considered.

The NFF president Brent Finlay was in attendance and spoke at length about the VFF moving towards becoming part of the national body. The advantages of this are considerable as most of the challenges to our industry are coming from national organisations and the state bodies are of varying strengths. We will be better served in the political arenas by a body which speaks for all Australian chicken growers leaving our branches well supported to deal with the important local issues.


COMMODITY REPORTS


Promoting the Industry

Working in conjunction with the Victorian Chicken Meat Council and the VFF Chicken Meat Group in developing an Industry specific growth strategy to present to Government.

10 year growth paper presented to Government. Various Weekly Times articles highlighting Victoria’s lost market share on a National basis. VFF meeting with the Minister highlighted the economic importance of our industry, particularly economic and employment opportunities.

Government has acknowledged the benefits of a growing chicken meat industry.

Red Tape and Right to Farm

VFF Chicken Meat Group continues to assist members to remove barriers to farming and protect chicken meat farming pursuits.

The Group continues to raise concerns with Government, the EPA and Councils reinforcing the need to abide by the Broiler Code.

Members continue to advise the VFF of the over-regulatory conditions and subsequent VCAT Hearings which in turn hamper uptake, innovation and industry investment. Planning permits incur considerable cost, time and effort.

Activists The VFF has requested changes to Section 197 of the Crimes Act to provide reference to animal enterprise terrorism. These include higher risk of biosecurity, loss of food production or income and economic damage, including any losses or costs caused by economic disruption, resulting from such offences.

There are three types of offences that activists can be charged with; Obstruction, Trespass and Property Damage. Requests have been made that warnings should not be required before it being offence.

It is envisaged that with title laws activists should be deterred, apprehended and prosecuted.

Planning Reforms Proposed changes to zoning that would allow non-agricultural development and will allow more non-agricultural development and submissions to occur in the Farming, Green Wedge and Rural Activity Zones.

We asked the government to remove permit requirements for broiler sheds that fully comply with the Broiler Code, i.e. as of right in the farming zones.

Following the submission process, a Ministerial Advisory Committee charged with assessing submissions and reporting back to the Minister reiterating our concerns.

PROJECT NAME BACKGROUND ACHIEVEMENTS/OUTCOMES REASON

Chicken Care Most Members have attended Chicken care workshops and farms have been audited as part of the Chicken Care Environmental Management Program.

Farm Management has improved since the introduction of Chicken Care and complaints have decreased significantly.

The program will continue with further Workshops schedule in the coming months for new members. Further reducing environmental, neighbour and Council issues.

Market Power The VFF is working with regulators, supermarkets and processors to address the inequities of market power.

The VFF Chicken Meat Group continues to meet with Supermarkets, Government and Processors in identifying best practice and accurate production costs.

All we ask is to receive a fair return on our investment and work.

Biosecurity.

There will be a concerted effort in addressing the continued outbreaks of ILT.

The VFF Chicken Meat’s Group objective is to ensure Government understands the impact of ILT to Industry.

The VFF has invited Government Bodies to present to the VFF and then the VCMC in addressing the current dilemma of vaccination procedures currently being conducted across the industry.

Industry to acknowledge the animal welfare issue, economic loss and in unison, act accordingly.


PROJECTS FOR 2014/15


COMMODITY REPORTS

Egg GroupREPORT

The VFF Egg Group has dealt with some major industry challenges over the last 12 months on everything from animal welfare to biosecurity and food safety.

At the farm gate animal activists continue to pose a real threat to the Egg industry. In 2014 the VFF Egg Group dealt with a spate of break-ins from activists targeting free rangers as well as caged farmers, threatening biosecurity and the welfare of our chickens.

All farmers have a right to farm and must continue to have the right to farm in a responsible way. It is up to Government to ensure that we are protected and are not subjected to illegal farm raids by people who believe they have the right to break the law.

Publicly, our producers have also felt the direct impact of animal activists through sophisticated advertising and social media campaigns that have succeeded in manipulating the market by putting pressure on our largest suppliers including major supermarkets and fast food chains.

McDonalds and other food service industries have announced the phasing-out of caged eggs after continuous pressure from Animal Activist groups. Meanwhile on the flip-side former Victorian Premier Dennis Napthine announced he had no objection to eggs from cage hens and Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce has also publicly support-ed caged production.

In Australia we have a consumer with diverse needs and to meet these social and economic needs we must offer all three production systems. In recent months we have played a lead role in this debate, pushing for freedom of choice for consumers to meet the needs of all Australians.

The VFF Egg Group submitted a resolution to Policy Council in October 2014 calling for a nationally funded campaign to promote Australian Farming through the development of a long-term strategic campaign to win back consumer confidence. This is a matter of interest to all of rural Australia and as such the VFF Egg Group is seeking the support of all commodities to present on united face of Victorian farming.

Food safety and traceability of product was high on the Government agenda and compulsory egg stamping came into effect from November 2014. The VFF Egg Group will continue to work closely with Government during the transition and to ensure this Standard is regulated in the marketplace.

Animal Welfare remains a major priority for our egg farmers. The VFF Egg Group’s Hencare quality assurance program now has a number of accredited farmers and we expect to see a significant take-up of the program in the year ahead, with increasing pressure from consumers and retailers for assurance on animal welfare, food safety, biosecurity and sustainable farming.

The VFF Egg Group has maintained its membership of 37 producers which represent 90% of the commercial egg layers in Victoria.

The VFF Egg Group would like to acknowledge its sponsors for their support over the year including major sponsors are Lohmann Layers, Highline, Huhtamaki, Lienerts, Moba, Markem Imaje, Agricultural Automation. Supporting sponsors include CCD Animal Health, Bec Feed Solutions, Alltech, Visy, Auspac Ingredients, Reid Stockfeed and Biomin.

COMMODITY PRESIDENT

Brian Ahmed

COUNCIL MEMBERS

• Tony Nesci – Vice President

• Meg Parkinson

• Eva Barabas

• Tim Drew

• Luigi Napolitano

• Ian Savenake

• David Scaunich


COMMODITY REPORTS


Animal Welfare Review of the Model Code of Practice for Domestic Poultry 4th Edition.

- The VFF Egg Group will be consulted as part of this Review. The Review timetable and Committee are yet to be agreed and appointed.

Food safety The Health Department developed a MOU for food safety authorities around the country via national harmonisation regarding produce trace-ability.

Compulsory egg stamping came into effect from November 2014.

The VFF Egg Group will continue to work closely with Government during the transition to resolve problems and ensure this Standard is regulated in the marketplace.

Right to farm – supporting family egg farmers

In 2014 the VFF Egg Group dealt with a spate of break-ins from activists targeting free rangers as well as caged farmers, threatening biosecurity and the welfare of our chickens.

President Brian Ahmed has had a strong and consistent voice in the media on this issue.

All farmers have a right to farm and must continue to have the right to farm in a responsible way. The VFF Egg Group will be discussing this issue with the new State Government. Brian Ahmed continues to maintain a strong media profile and has spoken at a number of agriculture forums to gain further industry support.

Support for ALL production systems

Some of our largest suppliers including major supermarkets and fast food chains such as McDonalds have announced the phasing-out of caged eggs after continued pressure from animal activist groups.

In Australia we have a consumer with diverse needs and to meet these social and economic needs we must offer all three production systems.

In recent months Brian Ahmed has played a lead role in this debate, pushing for freedom of choice for consumers to meet the needs of all Australians. The Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce has publicly supported caged production, as has former Victorian Premier Dennis Napthine.

President Brian Ahmed will maintain a strong and consistent voice in the media on this issue.

We will continue to present the facts and evidence based research to ensure consumers, industry regulators and government alike are able to make informed decisions.



HenCare HenCare is a quality assurance pro-gram developed by the VFF Egg Group and is available to commercial egg farmers Australia-wide.

HenCare now has a number of certified egg farmers on board. In 2015, the VFF Egg Group made HenCare accessible to both VFF members and non-members as an alternative QA program in the Australian layer industry.

We expect to see a significant take-up of the program in the year ahead, with increasing pressure from consumers and retailers for produce that is quality assured for animal welfare, food safety and biosecurity.

The face of farming The VFF Egg Group submitted a resolution to Policy Council in October 2014 calling for a nationally funded campaign to promote Australian Farming through the development of a long-term strategic campaign to win back consumer confidence. This is a matter of interest to all of rural Australia and as such the VFF Egg Group is seeking the sup-port of all commodities to present on united face of Victorian farming.

The resolution gained the support of the VFF Policy Council.

-



COMMODITY REPORTS

Grains Group

REPORT

At the 2014 VFF Grains Group Annual Conference in Ballarat, we asked growers to nominate the major issues which they felt they faced at that time. The top three issues which were raised by growers are:

1. The need to reduce supply chain costs post farm-gate.

2. Insolvencies within the trade and the impact this was having on businesses.

3. Lack of unity in grains grower representation at a national level.

These three issues raised by our members have formed the central focus for the VFF Grains Council this year and I am proud of the results we have achieved in these areas.

COMMODITY PRESIDENT

Brett Hosking

COUNCIL MEMBERS

• Peter Lawless - Vice President

• Peter Thompson (Northern Mallee)

• Garry Bibby (Southern Mallee)

• Ash Marshall (Eastern Mallee)

• Rob McRae (West Wimmera)

• Marshall Rodda (Wimmera)

• Colin Coates (Charlton)

• Mark Collins (Bendigo)

• Vacant (Murray Goulburn)

• Garry Heath (Southern)

Supply Chain Costs

Supply chain costs represent approximately 30% of a producers cost of production. VFF Grains Group has lobbied state and federal governments as well as private industry for investment into infrastructure to improve the efficiency of our supply chain. We actively negotiated with GrainCorp around ensuring that growers were able to gain from GrainCorp’s $200 million ‘Project Regeneration’. The sale of Rural Finance created the opportunity for the then Coalition Government to commit $220mill to the Murray Basin Rail Standardisation project. VFF Grains has continued to lobby the now Labor Government in Victoria to meet or exceed this commitment which will translate into reduced rail and road freight costs for growers and higher farm gate returns. In addition to this we have been an active voice in port access discussions and are pleased to see a commitment by Bunge to invest in a new port at Geelong.

Insolvencies

Insolvencies in the grain trade have been an ongoing issue for growers with the time taken to recover lost farm earnings being likened to severe drought. Lobbying by VFF in 2014 has resulted in a significant shift in trading terms across the industry as many marketers moved to shorter 7-14 day payment terms. Additionally, we are seeing more informed growers putting pressure on their marketers in relation to terms of trade and ability to meet contract terms. VFF Grains commenced lobbying with an Industry policy position paper regarding licensing of the trade put to the whole of industry. This generated much discussion and debate with industry groups such as Grain Trade Australia, Grains Industry Association of Victoria, Government and numerous grain marketers. As well as this we have been committed to providing growers with information and resources to assist them to make more informed decisions when marketing their grain. VFF Grains has also approached the ACCC to ensure that insolvencies in the grains industry are dealt with accordingly. We are also continuing discussions with government and trade in 2015 as we see this as an ongoing issue for our industry.

National Grower Representation

VFF Grains has continued to push the need for greater unity at a national level to ensure our member’s voice is heard loud and clear at this level. The grains industry currently has a Representative Organisation (RO) in Grain Producers Australia (GPA). VFF Grains is an ‘Associate Member’ of GPA to ensure our members have input in the operations of the RO which is tasked with providing oversight of GRDC and Plant Health Australia. Additionally we have been active members of the NFFGPC where discussions have focussed on the issues affecting the industry nationally as well as the establishing a unified voice for the grains industry moving forward. It is pleasing to see the progress so far and the commonality in issues across each of the grain producing states and we will continue to develop this unified approach further in 2015.

In addition to these activities, VFF Grains has continued to be the voice of Victorian grain growers on a huge variety of issues ranging from chemical legislation and standards to GM, pests, weeds, fire management, multi-peril crop insurance and everything in between. We have developed many partnerships throughout this time as we work on common issues but at all times our greatest partnership has been with our grower members. The support of our members is vital to the work that we do and we continue to appreciate, listen, and advocate on your behalf.


COMMODITY REPORTS


Rail Standardisation

Currently Victoria has two sets of rail gauge (broad and standard), which prevents efficient rail use and means produce is often transported via local roads, causing significant damage.

Additionally it means that two sets of rolling stock are needed, and it reduces the ability of rail providers to compete and reduce costs across not only Victoria but from other states as well.

The recent State Budget saw a ‘down-payment’ from the State Government to begin standardisation of the Murray Basin rail line, and a further commitment to the project pending release of the business case.

VFF Grains is continuing to lead the push to ensure that this commitment extends to standardisation of the entire network.

VFF Grains has spent years lobbying successive governments to invest in standardisation.

Standardisation of the entire network, not just the Mildura rail line, is essential to ensure branch lines are not stranded and that genuine efficiencies are achieved by removing the need for duplication of broad and standard gauge train assets.

Insolvencies & Payment Security

During 2014 trader insolvencies continued to be a problem along the east coast, with a number of firms becoming insolvent or being placed into administration. The ramifications of previous insolvencies continue to be felt in rural and regional communities.

The results of our pressure in this area so far in 2014 have seen a number of actions to date, including: (i) the major marketers announcing shorter payment terms, some during the VFF pre-harvest roadshow, to 12-14 days from 30 days; (ii) Grain Trade Australia changed its constitution to allow the expulsion of members if they fail to comply with the organisation’s Code of Conduct; (iii) the Grains Industry Association of Victoria tightened its membership requirements.

In response to concerns raised by members in 2014, VFF Grains investigated the possibility of a licensing scheme for grain traders along with an industry guarantee fund. President Brett Hosking presented a proposal for a licensing and/or guarantee fund to the Australian Grain Industry Conference’s trade workshop in late July. The proposal has sparked much discussion and debate within the trade.

VFF Grains hosted a working group with trade participants and government representatives to assess the licensing proposal and other potential actions in an effort to collaborate and find an industry-driven solution to the ongoing insolvencies problem.

Managing Header Fire Risk

Last year VFF members proactively sought a way of self-managing the risk of header fires during harvest, and as a result, the VFF Grains Group worked with the CFA this year to develop the Voluntary Grain Harvesting Guide. The guide gives farmers an indication of both the weather conditions and practices that will reduce the risk of fire.

The guide was trialled in the Warracknabeal and Ebenezer regions during the 2014 harvest, and has received positive feedback. The CFA observes that community engagement in header fire risk awareness and mitigation has risen from 50% to 90% as “a direct result of the guide application”.

According to the CFA, “overall acceptance of the guide was positive, both industry and CFA noticed a reduction in harvester activity during days of greater fire danger”.

The VFF Grains Council will review the guide and look at expansion of the trial in the coming year.

Chemical Regulations

The VFF Grains Group lobbies to ensure access to vital chemicals for pest and disease management and fertiliser are maintained for farmers.

VFF Grains worked with Grain Producers Australia to respond to a government inquiry into ‘Chemicals of Security Concern,’ which in the absence of our lobbying may have led to stricter access requirements and increased red tape.

VFF Grains’ lobbying work ensures that new legislation is science-based and does not result in unintended or adverse consequences in terms of cost or access to chemicals.

Heavy Vehicle Regulations

A number of issues arose with the implementation of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator in 2014, so much so that it resulted in a temporary delegation of authority from the NHVR back to the states.

There continues to be lack of clarity regarding the jurisdiction of NHVR versus VicRoads, the regulations that are applied by each, and whether published regulations are still up-to-date.

This includes regulations relating to over-dimensional agricultural equipment, agricultural implements, heavy vehicles, and issuing of permits.

The VFF’s push for reinstatement of the VicRoads Rural Reference Group was successful this year, which brings together various interested parties with VicRoads to discuss relevant rural and agricultural road use and transport issues.

Our work to reduce the confusion surrounding current regulations has already led to new information being posted on the VicRoads website, providing some more clarity on the issues.

VFF Grains has also raised these issues at the NFF Grains Policy Council (NFFGPC) and will continue to push for clarity and increased efficiency in heavy vehicle regulations over the coming year.



COMMODITY REPORTS


National Representation

The VFF Grains Group represents Victorian growers’ interests in farming groups, including the grain industry Representative Organisation (RO) and the National Farmers Federation (NFF).

The RO has oversight responsibility for GRDC as well as for national plant health and biosecurity, while VFF as a primary member of NFF funds general cross-commodity issues at a national level.

GPA is the current appointed RO and has acted to represent VFF members in good faith since the wind-up of the Grains Council of Australia in 2010. There has recently been debate as another industry body, GrainGrowers Limited, has been vying for the RO role.

The NFFGPC was formed to bring all farm organisations, including VFF, WAFF, GPSA, NSWF, Agforce QLD, GPA and GGL to the one table to form national grains policy on behalf of the industry.

The NFFGPC wrote to the federal Minister for Agriculture in 2014 supporting GPA as the current RO and stating the group did not currently support GGL’s petition. The VFF Grains Group will continue to provide strong national representation through the industry RO and NFFGPC for the good of all members.

VFF Grains represents Victorian growers’ interests in farming groups, including the NFF and the grains industry representative bodies.

The VFF Grains Group has made sure that Victorian growers have a strong voice at a national level through both Grain Producers Australia as well as the NFF Grains Policy Council.


Pre-Harvest Roadshow

Providing growers with access to major traders, exporters, and bulk handlers prior to harvest.

VFF Grains held events in 8 locations over 5 days during the 2014 Roadshow: Tungamah, Elmore, Swan Hill, Beulah, Kaniva, Horsham and Skipton.

During the 2014 Roadshow, marketers announced significantly shorter payment terms for the coming harvest – 14 days EOW (down from 30 days).

Insolvencies in the grain trade remained a key discussion topic. Marketing opportunities for the 2014 harvest were presented to growers.

The announcements from marketers on the Roadshow regarding shorter payment terms marked a significant shift for the industry, with improved payment security for growers.

The Roadshow saw engaged and productive discussion from both traders and growers around the state.

Annual VFF Grains Conference

Providing an opportunity for our members to have their say on key policy issues and VFF Grains’ policy direction for the year ahead.

Ensuring grains companies are directly answerable and responsive to our membership.

A number of forums were held on key grains issues in the industry including: competition and investment in the supply chain, header fire risk management, and new innovations in grains. There were positive outcomes from these discussions, including observations from the CFA on the effectiveness of the Voluntary Grain Harvesting Guide during its 2014 trial.

Sixteen resolutions were passed by members, identifying policy priorities for VFF Grains to act upon over the coming year.

The VFF Grains Conference remains an effective forum for members to learn about industry issues, and for the Grains Group to canvas grower issues and priorities for policy and action over the coming year.

Social events The VFF Grains Group regularly convenes and attends events across the state, as a chance for growers to meet staff and each other, catch up and discuss business and policy for the year ahead.

In addition to the Roadshow sites, this year VFF Grains attended events in Lismore, Ararat, Horsham, Kaniva, Swan Hill and Manangatang, as well as the Elmore and Wimmera Field Days.

Members caught up on VFF policy with staff and took the opportunity to network with fellow growers.

VFF Grains continues to engage with members on policy decisions and to ensure we are representing growers across the state. We also provide opportunities for members to meet in an informal social environment off-farm, to share knowledge and experience.




COMMODITY REPORTS

ORGANISATION REASON OUTCOME

Grains Research & Development Corporation

Ongoing engagement with GRDC regarding effectiveness for members, and participation in review of GRDC’s governance structure i.e. whether it should continue as a statutory corporation or move to an industry-owned model such as MLA, Dairy Australia.

Participation in Grower R&D Forum in March, involvement in GPA-led steering committee looking at review of GRDC structure.

Bulk handlers including GrainCorp, Emerald, Glencore, Cargill-AWB, CBH, Bunge

Addressing ongoing issues with regards to bulk handling, harvest, sites, segregations, payment terms etc, as they arise.

Shortened payment terms from the trade. Active voice on issues regarding receival standards, GrainCorp’s site consolidation, Emerald and GrainCorp’s downsizing etc.

Victorian Government, Grain Trade Australia, Grain Industry Association of Victoria, insurance companies

Addressing underlying causes of grain trade insolvencies.

Working group meeting, widespread media coverage of insolvencies, launched discussion paper on the subject of grain trade licence scheme at the 2014 Australian Grains Industry Conference.

NFF Grains Policy Council, Grain Producers Australia, Agforce Queensland, NSW Farmers Association, Grain Producers SA, WA Farmers Federation, GrainGrowers Limited, Senate Committees

Grower representation on mutual issues of concern; e.g. chemical regulations, port access, GRDC governance review, ongoing industry national representation.

Ensuring effective representation of Victorian growers at the national level.

VicRoads, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

Working on clarifying issues around heavy vehicle regulation.

Input to VicRoads Gazettes; reinstatement of the VicRoads Rural Reference Group.

Federal Government, Department of Agriculture. APVMA

Chemical regulation reform and review. Grower input into key chemical reforms to ensure access and competitive pricing.

CFA Development of Voluntary Grain Harvesting Guide to manage header fire risk.

Successful trial of the guide; e.g. increased community engagement in fire risk awareness and mitigation.

LIST OF KEY STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGED DURING THE YEAR AND REASON FOR ENGAGEMENT:

LOOKING FORWARD

Key issues for 2015/16

• Efficiencies in supply chain

• Investment in rail standardisation

• Port access / pricing

• Insolvencies in grain trade – increasing grower security

• Voluntary Grain Harvesting Guide – review with CFA

• National representation of grain producers

• GRDC governance structure – review and next steps

• Heavy vehicle regulations – VicRoads and National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

• Crop insurance and Multi-Peril Crop insurance


COMMODITY REPORTS

Horticulture Group

COMMODITY PRESIDENT

Owen Brinson

EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

• Colin McCormack, Deputy President

• Peter Cochrane, Executive Member

• Bill Bulmer, Executive Member

• Lis Blandamer, Manager

REPORT

Victoria’s horticulture industry has a farmgate value of $2.4billion, comprises more than 3500 businesses and is a significant employer in peri-urban, regional and rural Victoria. Horticulture is the fastest growing export sector and has the greatest potential for growth to meet domestic and international food demands.

For the industry to meet future international and domestic demands governments need to create policies that encourage growth through:

a. Increasing farm-gate profitability

b. Having access to cost effective finance to take up risk management options and new technologies

c. Having access to reliable labour

d. Developing government policies that provide growers with incentives to expand their businesses

In the past 12 months VFF Horticulture has had an opportunity to present industry priorities to all sides of state politics prior to the election and contributed significantly to developing federal priorities through the Agricultural Competitiveness Green Paper.

In the State election priorities paper VFF Horticulture sought support for water initiatives such as the Bunyip and the Yarra Valley recycled water initiatives, potato grower conversion initiative and a review of Hazardous Dams policy. The Group also sought incentives to risk proof crops from weather events and protected species, a fix of mobile and internet blackspots and a doubling of payroll tax threshold from $550,000 to $1million.

Energy is a major cost to the horticulture industry so the VFF has called for a $9m on-farm energy efficiency grant providing growers with matched funds to upgrade to energy efficient coolrooms and packing sheds.

In VFF submissions the Group has also lobbied to maintain the Primary Producer registration for Victorian primary producers. With transport regulations now harmonized the argument becomes more difficult but essential to our industry.

On the federal scene we have provided significant input into the VFF’s Agricultural Competitiveness Green Paper. In this submission the Group has outlined its priorities for infrastructure investment including a North-East Link and addressing rural mobile black spots; a more streamlined approach when dealing with local, state and federal governments; competition reform to provide a more transparent trading environment; taxation changes that will assist industry receive a return on investment and education, skills, training and labour reforms that will ensure the industry’s capacity to obtain seasonal labour and attract the next generation into the industry.


COMMODITY REPORTS


Workplace Relations and meeting industry labour needs

The VFF has developed tools to ensure members comply with Workplace Relations, Occupational Health and Safety and Superannuation obligations.

The VFF Workplace Relations Department takes the lead in representing the horticulture industry at the annual National Wage Case and when the Horticulture Award is being reviewed.

The Fair Work Ombudsman continues to focus heavily on the horticultural industry and the industry has now also seen increased activity and media attention around the employment of illegal workers.

In recent months there has been an increase in union activity in the sector and the VFF is working with growers to advise them of their rights and obligations.

VFF Horticulture has been working with the Workplace Relations Department to ensure growers are informed of their obligations as employers. Workshops have been held in key horticultural areas and written material has been promoted to the membership.

As part of the four year review of the Horticulture Award, the Workplace Relations Department again has to defend the industry against union demands that will significantly impact the industry. Members have been very forthcoming with information on the impacts to their business for inclusion in submissions.

VFF Horticulture provides input to submissions drafted by the Workplace Relations Department as well as NFF submissions.

Members join the VFF to ensure they have the tools and expert advice to meet their workplace obligations.

VFF Horticulture Group has determined that informing members of their workplace relations obligations and lobbying for a continued flexible workplace environment is the Group’s key focus.

Biosecurity / Market Access

There has been a focus on ensuring continued market access now that Victoria is working in a deregulated environment for the management of Queensland Fruit Fly.

VFF Horticulture’s objective is to ensure industry has the tools to continue trading to key markets and government understands the impact to market access of any proposed regulatory changes.

VFF Horticulture has been working with all levels of government and industry stakeholders to ensure any proposed amendments to legislation don’t adversely affect the horticulture industry.

Flowers Victoria, in conjunction with Plant Health Australia, continues to progress with developing an Industry Biosecurity Plan outlining the impact any exotic incursion will have on the industry.

Biosecurity issues are critical to VFF Horticulture members as it has the potential to affect market access to key international and domestic markets.

Because of the potential impact, the Horticulture Group Policy Council has placed biosecurity as one of the key issues requiring resourcing.

Ag & Vet Chemicals VFF Horticulture continues to provide input to Ag&Vet reviews.

VFF Horticulture Executive Member, Peter Cochrane is chair of the VFF AgVet Chemicals Committee and a member of the NFF AgVet Committee.

The VFF continues to raise concerns around AgVet Chemical issues affecting the industry.

Issues over the past 12 months included Minor Use Prioritisation Project, amendments to Victorian Fertiliser regulations, Managing low level AgVet Chemicals without MRLs and developing funding priorities.

A spray drift review is likely later in 2015.

VFF Horticulture believes it is vital for members to continue to have access to chemicals that provide vital pest and disease control.

Competition Review

The VFF is working with regulators, supermarkets and supply chain partners to address the inequities of market power.

VFF Horticulture has a key role in providing input to the Competition and Consumer Act review.

VFF Horticulture has taken a stand against the implementation of the voluntary Supermarket Code. The Group believes voluntary codes are ineffective and achieve little by way of addressing the market power imbalance.

VFF Horticulture has a role in working with government and supply chain participants to achieve greater market power balance.

There is a strong belief that a profitable supply chain is a healthy supply chain.



COMMODITY REPORTS


Right to farm & Red Tape

VFF Horticulture continues to assist members to remove barriers to farming and protect agricultural pursuits.

VFF Horticulture has provided input to planning, transport, taxation and other federal and state government reviews.

Members continue to tell us that red and green tape and right to farm issues are affecting their ability to farm and placing additional costs onto their business.


LOOKING FORWARD

In the coming 12 months VFF Horticulture is participating in a series of grower forums across the state that will allow growers to provide direct comment into major reforms such as taxation reform and the review of the Horticulture Award 2010. Both these reviews will have a significant impact on the horticulture industry.

VFF Horticulture will continue to develop membership development strategies that clearly demonstrate the value of membership because without increasing our membership resourcing to develop policy becomes an issue for the Group.

VFF Horticulture continues to partner with companies that can offer members ways to reduce their costs and help innovation within their businesses.


COMMODITY REPORTS

Flowers VictoriaREPORT

Flowers Victoria has seen a surge in promotional activity over the course of the last twelve months. With a view to increasing consumer awareness and positioning flowers as the ‘gift of choice’, we embarked on strong seasonal campaigns in association with the Melbourne Market Authority. Our focus has and always will be supporting Victorian Flower Growers with cost savings within their business, workplace relations advice, lobbying for biosecurity and farming issues and increased marketing to stimulate sales through the floriculture supply chain.

Melbourne Flower & Garden Show 2015

The Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS) enjoyed consistent popularity attended by over 105,000 people over five day duration of show with an increased pre sales profit of 20K for 2015. As half owners of the MIFGS, Flowers Victoria was represented through an interactive and consumer oriented stand to educate and engage show visitors by transporting them into a “Bohemian Garden” filled with premium locally grown flower and foliage varieties. Two growers were on hand to speak directly to the public each day of the show and sponsor Tea Tonic distributed botanical tea samples which held people on our stand. In addition we ran a public competition alongside our stand with 19 floristry entrants and their event inspired pedestal pieces. This attracted over 2648 votes from the public and received media coverage on Channel 7’s Better Homes & Gardens. The Flowers Victoria cocktail party attracted up to 300 people and was emceed by Channel 7 meteorologist David Brown. The evening included acknowledgement of industry associated awards and featured a tribute to VFF Life Member and Victorian Flower Grower’s founding committee member Frank Baguley for long service & commitment to industry.

Membership and Member issues

Our membership base is growing to incorporate growers, suppliers and retailers with further plans to incentivise retail members. Together with the AFC (Australian Flower Council), Plant Health Australia and key industry and technical advisers, a Biosecurity Implementation Plan is currently in development to itemise ratings, economic impact and overall risk to the cut flower industry. This is expected to be completed early in the new financial year. Increasing our social media profile through Instagram, Twitter and Facebook has seen a marked turnaround in positive engagement and interaction with our members and industry base. Through the activation of Instagram in August 2014 we have amassed 1,300 “followers” in the space of 10 months.

Regular attendance at the Flower Market on a weekly basis ensures that Flowers Victoria remain in touch with the industry, our members, informed of current issues, trends and buying habits. This also serves to strengthen our commitment and visibility as the peak body for Victorian floriculture.

The Melbourne Flower Market.

Flowers Victoria Members - The De Boer Brothers from De Boer Flowers and Bulbs.

Melbourne Flower & Garden Show 2015.


COMMODITY REPORTS

Valentine’s Day “Discover the Power of the Flower”

Flowers Victoria, in partnership with Melbourne Markets Authority, launched the biggest Valentine’s Day campaign to date in 2015. Due to falling on a Saturday in 2015, the industry feared that fresh cut flower sales for Valentine’s Day would lower to an anticipated loss of 20% for phone sales of delivery to workplaces in 2015. The campaign included paid advertising (mix of radio, online and social media), PR advertising (TV) and social media targeted to Males aged 18 -39 (straight or gay). Seven Flowers Victoria members/growers contributed financially to this campaign which also involved red rose giveaways on radio stations and a Valentine’s Day themed flower market in Federation Square in the week leading into and on Valentine’s Day. One hundred promotional campaign information packs were also made available in addition to downloadable posters and digital point of sale for florists.

Mother’s Day “Pamper her with Petals – Discover the Power of the Flower”

Promotional marketing for Mother’s Day followed our Valentine’s Day campaign with alternate “Mum” imagery to support the “Power of the Flower” tagline. A contra deal for radio advertisements was negotiated with Smooth FM in conjunction with flower giveaways on Joy FM to the value of $6,048.00. Two of our premium bulb growers supplied flowers to support this campaign. Flowers Victoria further positioned flowers as the No.1 gift of choice for Mother’s Day by surprising mums of Melbourne with bunches of tulips through radio and random acts of kindness on the streets of the CBD on the Thursday/Friday leading into Mother’s Day.

Charity

Our historical link to The Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation through The Flower Day appeal continues into 2015 with the sponsorship of an associated stand at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show and prescribed adjoining activities. Plans to further increase support for member driven project initiatives for women experiencing family violence are in development and will culminate in a launch late 2015.

Education

Flowers Victoria, together with the VFF Food and Fibre Career Officer explored potential alliances with organisations and institutions to encourage educational pathways and development of holistic based skill sets such as floristry, flower production and associated employment opportunities.

We are working with both accredited and non-accredited educational facilities to assist with projects and excursions to link curriculum with industry based education through flower farm tours and access to knowledge bearers.


COMMODITY REPORTS

Livestock Group

COMMODITY PRESIDENT

Ian Feldtmann

COUNCIL MEMBERS

• Michael Craig (Vice President)

• Chris Wallace Smith (North Central Regional Councillor)

• Chris Draffen (Corangamite Regional Councillor)

• Hannah Marriott (Goulburn Broken Councillor)

• Robert Harding (Wimmera Regional Councillor)

• Kate Joseph (Glenelg Regional Councillor)

• Steven Harrison (East Gippsland Regional Councillor)

• Leonard Vallance (Mallee Regional Councillor)

• Faye Tuchtan (West Gippsland Councillor)

• James Kirkpatrick (Additional Councillor)

REPORT

The VFF Livestock Group is well aware of the importance of connecting with our members. To this end your Livestock Council and staff ran an array of meetings that attracted more than 500 farmers to policy events and forums across the state.

These meetings included:

Four Livestock Forums

• Rutherglen on July 30

• Wycheproof on September 1

• Bairnsdale on September 24

• Geelong on February 10 (to gain grower feedback on wool selling system reform)

Three Pre-Conference events

• Benalla on April 8

• Hamilton on April 13

• Traralgon on April 29

Eleven Livestock Biosecurity Officer events

These included: safe vaccination, Pestivirus, small farmer workshops, a cattle health forum and red-meat roadshows.

Attendances have ranged from 25 to 70 farmers at each event.

Barnawartha Boycott Meeting

The VFF Livestock Group joined the NSW Farmers Association in responding to farmer anger at the processor boycott of the Barnawartha livestock exchange in March, by holding a local meeting that attracted more than 200 farmers.

The Barnawartha meeting passed three resolutions:

• Calling for a Senate Inquiry into the growing power and market consolidation of the red-meat processing sector.

• Rejected post-sale weighing at sale yards

• Petition the Federal Treasurer to hold off on approving the sale of Primo to Brazilian multi-national JBS.

The VFF in partnership with the NSW Farmers Association and Senator Bridgette McKenzie gained Senate Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport support for an inquiry into “The effect of market consolidation on the red meat processing sector”.

The VFF also called on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to investigate the boycott. ACCC officers visited the yards the week after the boycott, but found no evidence that warranted further action. The yards abandoned pre-sale weighing.

The VFF is now working with producers and the NSW Farmers Association to lodge submission to the Senate Inquiry.

Livestock Council members have also been active in Bovine Johne’s disease reform, mainly in an effort to de-stigmatise the disease.

We’ve also been working with the Cattle and Sheep-Goat Compensation Committees to extend funding for the Policy Development and Livestock Industry Net-work Project and Livestock Biosecurity Officer scheme.

VFF councillors have also played key role in gaining further discounts on electronic cattle identification ear tags, with Chris Wallace-Smith playing a key role.

We were also able to protect Australia’s two-tier abattoir accreditation system, in the face of push by multi-national meat processors to remove access to Tier 1 Status. Tier 1 is used by several Victorian processors who export to nations that accept this lower level of accreditation.

We’ve also continued our work on animal welfare, countering and portraying the views of animal activists as extreme and misleading. The PETA campaign was a clear example of where the VFF led the national debate.

Your VFF has also worked with the National Farmers Federation to deliver a Free Trade Agreement with China that will deliver real long-term benefits to our farmers. And during last year’s election campaign we gained commitments from the then Labor Opposition to extend the $10 fox bounty, aerial baiting and voluntary RFID tagging of sheep.

We’ve continued our strong relationship with Victoria Police on farm crime and livestock thefts, worked to improve farmers’ access to their properties to care for livestock after fires and continue to have a strong and robust relationship with the State Government, its department and agencies.

The VFF Livestock Group looks forward to working with and for you our members. So please as we move into the new financial year, take the opportunity to get involved with the VFF. When you hear of VFF events, try and get along. You’ll be surprised and I’m sure enjoy the chance to add your voice to one of Australia’s strongest agri-political lobby groups.


COMMODITY REPORTS


BJD Reform To de-stigmatise Johne’s disease so producers are encouraged to manage and control the disease.

VFF councillor Chris Wallace-Smith has represented Victoria in this debate and worked with the UDV at the state and national level to progress reforms, which include:

• On a state level we’ve conducted a review into the state’s BJD report, which highlighted the inadequacy of the test and control program.

• We conducted three UDV meetings around the state, which highlighted need for reform. And getting feedback on use of vaccine.

• CCA rep on national review of BJD, which is reviewing BJD on a national level . VFF supports de-regulation.

The VFF helped push for a national review. fought for and gained an independent review in to BJD.

Barnawartha Boycott

Respond to member concerns in regard to nine processors boycotting the Barnawartha livestock exchange, forcing it to abandon pre-sale weighing.

The VFF Livestock Group:

• Ran a meeting in partnership with NSWFA of more than 200 producers in response the boycott

• Called on the ACCC to investigate the boycott

• Joined NSWFA in calling for a Senate Inquiry into the red-meat processing sector.

• The ACCC visited the Barnawartha yards to interview participants, but failed to find evidence that warranted further investigation. VFF members are of the view that the ACCC needs to set up a specialist agriculture unit.

• The Senate Committee for Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport has launched an inquiry into the red-meat processing sector, to which members can respond.

Cattle Tag Pricing The VFF Livestock Group’s work through its Cattle Compensation Fund representatives John Wyld and Chris Wallace Smith has secured the cheapest RFID cattle tags in Australia for all Victorian producers – beef and dairy.

A tender was conducted in 2014, which has delivered four tag brands, ranging in price from 85c to $1.25.

The tags were made available from April 2015.

Victorian RFID tag prices are the envy of other states, who are paying from $2.85/tag (NSW) to $3.85/tag(Qld).

Tier 1 & 2 Abattoir accreditation

In June last year the VFF Livestock Group became aware of a push by multinational meat processors to remove access to Tier 1 Status, which is used by several Victorian processors who export to nations that accept this lower level of accreditation.

The VFF wrote to Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce highlighting the impact of abandoning the Tier 1 status on many Australian-owned meat processors, who would be forced to adopt the more expensive Tier 2 status accreditation. The additional costs would make it difficult for them to stay in the export market or for a new entrant to establish themselves, limiting competition in a sector that is already undergoing significant consolidation.

In July last year the Federal Government committed to retaining Tier 1 accreditation for abattoirs on behalf of industry.

Farm Crime and Livestock Theft

VFF to work closely on behalf of industry with Victoria Police and the Farm Crime Program and the Agricultural Liaison Officers across Victoria. This relationship has proved invaluable in terms of having a point of contact to raise farm crime issues with Victoria Police and has resulted in police investigations around issues such as stock theft.

The VFF participated in the Victoria Police Livestock and Farm Crime Conference an continues to meet regularly with Victorian Police Head of Practice for Livestock & Farm Crime Superintendent Craig Gillard to help highlight the need for farmers to report crime and seek public support in crime prevention.

Victoria Police’s team of Agricultural Liaison Officers has now grown to about 60 across the state.



COMMODITY REPORTS


Wild Dog & Fox Policy Control

The VFF campaigned for the continuation of the $100 wild dog and $10 fox bounties in the lead-up to last November’s State Election. We also called for the continuation of aerial baiting, mobile bait stations and dogger funding.

The VFF campaigned for the continuation of the $100 wild dog and $10 fox bounties in the lead-up to last November’s State Election. We also called for the continuation of aerial baiting, mobile bait stations and dogger funding.

Labor has committed $1 million towards the fox bounty in 2015-16. The VFF will continue to lobby for the bounty to be extended in the 2016-17 budget.

The Labor Government has also amended the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 to enable mobile manufacture of 1080 pest animal bait products in Victoria. Prior to this amendment, the manufacture of perishable or ‘fresh’ 1080 bait products could only occur at a few licensed fixed premises across the State. Mobile manufacturing is now an additional option available to manufacturers to further increase supply of fresh 1080 bait products to farmers in remote areas.

Animal welfare – shearer issues

Animals Australia and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have continued to mount extremist campaigns in the media.

In 2014-15 PETA maintained a strong focus on the wool industry and shearing. The first campaign was launched in July last year, with footage collected over 18 months. The second PETA campaign was launched on April 10, 2015, using the image of a fake mutilated lamb to claim “25% of the world’s wool comes from Australia, and it’s made from 100% cruelty”.

The VFF responded to both campaigns by clearly stating:

• Farmers would not tolerate animal cruelty.

• PETA was an extremist group of vegans, who wanted to end farming.

• PETA was trying to claim the extreme was the norm.

• PETA sat on footage of shearer cruelty for more than 18 months, rather than act immediately.

• PETA’s campaign using a foam lamb, was fake, grotesque and grossly misleading.

• We lodged a submission to the Advertising Standards Bureau to dispute the false allegations and campaign and hit major metro press.

The VFF led the charge on both these campaigns, resulting in massive media coverage that ensured the public views PETA as extreme and marginal.

Traditional media coverage included:

• Television coverage on “The Project”, ABC & SBS.

• Editorials supporting our position in print (the Age, Herald Sun)

• ABC Radio Triple M, 2UE, 3AW and all major rural networks

• The VFF response received significant air time on Channel Ten’s The Project, ABC 730, SBS News.

• Social media coverage that reached 13,042 people on Facebook, plus more than 1200 tweets in support of the VFF campaign.

Guidelines for loading ramps

The Australian Livestock and Transporters Association has released draft guidelines on the safe design of livestock ramps and forcing yards.

Ian Feldtmann sat on the steering committee that developed the guidelines. The VFF argued these remain guidelines and not regulated standards.

ALRTA is aiming to launch a final version of the guide in early July 2015.

Wool Selling systems

The VFF Livestock Group in conjunction with the Sheepmeat Council of Australia (SCA) and WoolProducers Australia (WPA) ran a sheep producers, part of which sought feedback on the industry’s Wool Selling System Review.

The VFF lodged a submission to the review outlining feedback from the forum on: wool preparation; delivery & testing; appraisal, price realisation, invoices, payment and the export process. Key messages included ending duplication, greater adoption of alternate wool selling systems and greater transparency.

Then VFF is awaiting an update from AWI on the review. The Panel Discussion Paper was due for release in June.

China FTA The VFF and NFF campaigned throughout the second half of 2014 to get a decent Free Trade Agreement with China across the line.

The VFF & NFF made repeated calls on Federal Ag and Trade ministers, calling for real gains out of the China FTA.

What the FTA delivered for livestock producers. Current Chinese tariffs on Australian beef of 12%-25% will be phased out over the next nine years.

Sheep Meat tariffs on Australian sheep meat of 12%-23% will be phased out over the next 8 years.



COMMODITY REPORTS


Sheep Biosecurity Standard

The Victorian Government released a Sheep Biosecurity Standard to the VFF and others for comment in July last year, that focused on:

• criteria for what constitutes unacceptable endemic disease management that places other producers’ flocks at unacceptable risk – especially lice and footrot controls.

• require farm visitors (which includes uninvited people such as animal activists) to seek the authority of the property owner/manager before entering the property.

With industry support, the intention was to adopt these biosecurity standards as enforceable regulations under the Livestock Management Act (LMA). The LMA allows for court penalties (up to $3000) and infringement notices (up to $450) for breaches of the regulations (standards) such as illegal entry onto a farm.

However Livestock Councillors have raised concerns with the standard, arguing it was unworkable, given the cost of compliance and audit requirements e.g recording people and vehicle movements onto the property.

The VFF has sent amendments to the standard back to the Livestock Industry Consultative Committee for further consideration. The LICC needs to consider if the original goals of the standard can still be achieved with less rigorous compliance protocols.

Fodder Co-ordination

In 2014-15 the VFF helped co-ordinate fodder deliveries and support to farmers hit by fire in the state’s north-east and Moyston region the 2014-15.

VFF President Ian Feldtmann helped co-ordinate fodder deliveries in the state’s north-east, while Ararat VFF member Charlie De Fegely worked with the local council and others to co-ordinate support around the Grampians.

VFF members response to fire is based on a core principal of the federation – members helping members in times of need. Once again the VFF proved its worth in this regard.

Guarantee that RFID remain voluntary

The VFF livestock group has a policy of opposing mandatory sheep RFID.

The VFF Livestock and Policy team worked hard to gain commitments from the Coalition and Labor that RFID would remain voluntary during the 2014 State Election campaign.

The Labor Party made a solid election commitment during the State Election campaign that:

“Labor won’t be introducing the mandatory electronic tagging of sheep until there is a nationally consistent approach that is affordable for farmers and well supported by industry”.



Livestock Project Officers

Delivering information on animal diseases and biosecurity to Victorian livestock producers.

LPO activities in 2014/15 include:

• 11 events across the state, including Red Meat Road Shows & Safe Vaccination Workshops.

• Development 8 new livestock health factsheets available both online and at workshops. We now have 40 factsheets available.

• Contributed full page articles on relevant animal health and farm biosecurity topics for the Stock Standard.

• Promoted animal health and farm biosecurity through media releases, newspaper articles and social media.

• Produced and distributed sheep health statements, cattle health statements and farm gate biosecurity signs, free for all producers.

• Attended more than 15 wider industry events to remain accessible to producers.

• Acted as a point of contact for all animal health and biosecurity related questions for all producers.

The LPO’s will continue to run informative events across the state to increase producer knowledge of animal health and farm biosecurity. This will also include a number of new events, such as small farmer workshops, and previously successful events, such as the Red Meat Roadshow. The LPO’s will also produce more informative material to be made available free to producers and remain a reliable point of contact for related issues.

PROJECTS FOR 2014-15


COMMODITY REPORTS

Pig Group

COMMODITY PRESIDENT

John Bourke

COUNCIL MEMBERS

• John Bourke - President• Pat Mitchell – Vice President • Kenton Shaw• Stephen Aburrow• Geordie Charles • Tom Smith • David Miles • Tim Kingma• Aeger Kingma• Mick Kellett• David Donaldson

REPORT

It’s been a good year for many Victorian pig farmers who have benefited from favourable market conditions, due in part, to stable pig and grain prices. We continue to drive a clear differentiation from our international cousins, positioning Australian pork as a premium product in a price competitive import market.

The greatest triumph for the VFF Pig Group in 2014 was DEPI’s commitment to the future funding of the Pig Health Research Unit in Bendigo, which re-launched as the Pig Specialist Centre (PSC). This was the result of more than five years of lobbying the Government to ensure better and more transparent use of a $250,000+ contribution via the Swine Compensation Fund.

The VFF Pig Group believes the role of the PSC will be critical to the ongoing research and development of vaccines for pig health and profitability, while its role as a centre for education and training will ensure the future viability of the pig industry for years to come. Since relaunching in July, the PSC has met its recruitment targets and taken on five new staff members to cater to the growing number of pig producers in Australia.

At the farm gate the VFF Pig Group has been fighting to protect producers. Farm raids continue and extremist animal rights groups launched a spate of break-ins in 2014 across Victorian piggeries resulting in biosecurity breaches and pig fatalities. As a result the VFF called on the Coalition Government to implement tougher penalties for any individual found breaching farm biosecurity. The VFF approached DEPI to develop a Pig Biosecurity Standard that would see any trespassers prosecuted in the same way as individuals under the Land Management Act. Ultimately the law needs to protect farms and farmers. The VFF Pig Group will continue to maintain a public profile in the media on this issue and will be reengaging the new Government to implement laws to charge trespassers with biosecurity breaches.

Other key challenges for the industry include foreign imports and the consumer’s right to choose where their food comes from. We will continue to challenge supermarkets on their double standards regarding animal welfare for local and import pork products by pursuing labelling laws and educating consumers.

Issues surrounding disease and swill feeding are also being addressed and we will continue to work with national bodies around the education of swill feeding pigs to the Australian livestock industry.

At the time of publication more than 65% of Victorian farmers had converted to gestation stall free housing, putting us on track to meet the industry’s voluntary commitment to phase out sow stalls by 2017. This initiative is underpinned by a robust and transparent national Quality Assurance program that has been embraced by pig farmers and proves animal welfare is our top priority.

The VFF Pig Group has maintained its membership of 34 producers.

The VFF Pig Group would like to acknowledge its sponsors for their support over the year including major sponsors Lienert Australia Pty Ltd, Chris Richards & Associates and Zoetis. Supporting sponsors include Ace Laboratory Services, Bec Feed Solutions, Alltech Inc, AusPac Ingredients, Biomin, Craig Mostyn & Co., Elanco, National Feed Solutions, Pig Improvement Company, Reid Stockfeeds and Ridley Agriproducts. The on-going contribution of sponsors to the VFF Pig Group ensures our members have a platform to share a united voice in both promoting and protecting the Victorian pig industry.


COMMODITY REPORTS


Farm raids and the threat of animal activists to biosecurity

Farm raids, trespass incidents and the movement of animal activists from farm to farm pose great risk to biosecurity and animal welfare. The Coalition Government was approached to develop a Pig Biosecurity Standard whereby trespassers would be prosecuted in the same way as those who breach biosecurity laws under the Land Management Act.

A draft Biosecurity Bill was developed by DEPI in conjunction with the VFF. The VFF Pig Group consulted key stakeholders including its Executive Council, Australian Pork Limited and Pig Care to provide a considered review representative of the Victorian pig producer industry, from hobby farmers through to commercial operators.

The VFF Pig Group will reintroduce the draft Pig Biosecurity Bill to the new State Government.

Disease control and risks of swill feeding

Swill feeding represents the biggest ongoing risk to the agriculture industry.

Hobby pig farmers represent the biggest threat with more than 385 small farmers identified via PIC codes in VIC alone.

Animal Health Australia (AHA) is a leading a national swill feeding compliance and extension pre- project, which seeks harmonisation across states.

- The VFF will contribute to the development of any programs into swill feeding via APL.

Pig Specialist Centre – the critical role of industry research and development

The VFF Pig Group has been lobbying government for more than four years to ensure adequate funding and more transparent use of the $250,000 plus contribution via the Swine Compensation Fund to the Pig Health Research Unit (PHRU) in Bendigo.

In August 2014, the PHRU, now the Pig Specialist Centre (PSC) received the critical boost in funding it required.

We believe the role of the PSC will be critical to the ongoing research and development of vaccines for pig health and profitability. While its role as a centre for education and training will ensure the future viability of the pig industry for years to come.

An MOU was developed between the Swine Industry Projects Advisory Committee (SIPAC) and DEPI, which stipulates services provided and key milestones in relation to the proposed increase in staff numbers and reporting on the progress for the unit.

In February 2015, the PSC had met its recruitment targets and taken on five new staff members to cater to the growing number of pig producers in Australia.

The VFF will continue to oversee the appropriation of funds via SIPAC.

Animal welfare and industry conversion to gestation stall free (GSF)

The Australian pig industry has voluntarily opted to phase out sow stalls by 2017.

In the first quarter of 2015, current GSF in Victoria was 43,336 sows (65%), which include APIQ verified and GSF claimed. Victoria is slightly lower than the national average which is 69%.

Note that these figures do not include any smaller pig producers, who are largely going to be GSF, and non-APIQ producers that we cannot verify by audit.

As an industry, we are on track to meet targets. It is expected that:

• Some producers will wait closer to the compliance date to ensure they learn other’s lessons before making the investment to change;

• Some producers will elect to exit the industry and conversely

• Some producers will look to ramp-up and expand their operations.



COMMODITY REPORTS


Foreign imports and country of origin labelling

Country of Origin Bill (Greens) Other key challenges for the industry include foreign imports and the consumer’s right to choose where their food comes from. We will continue to challenge supermarkets on their double standards regarding animal welfare for local and import pork products by pursuing labelling laws and educating consumers.

-


Engaging small and hobby farmers

A significant number of hobby farmers have been identified as part of the Pig Care Group in Victoria. This is an important group to communicate with on critical industry issues.

- VFF Pig Group is working on the development of a hobby farmer offering for small pig farmers in 2015.

Farm crime and the threat of animal activists

A spate of trespass and break-ins from extremist groups promoted to the VFF to address member concerns.

The VFF prepared a Farm Crime Handbook to help members better understand their rights and how to respond during a trespass or break-in incident.

The Pig Group also engaged a surveillance expert to provide members with advice on equipment to monitor their property.

At a policy level the VFF engaged State Government to Draft a Biosecurity Bill to better protect farmers from trespass and biosecurity breaches.

Continue to link into the Livestock Group who have a representative attending the Livestock and Farm Crime Specialist Group reporting to the Victorian Police.

The draft Pig Biosecurity Bill will be reintroduced to the new State Government.




COMMODITY REPORTS

United Dairyfarmers of Victoria

COMMODITY PRESIDENT

Adam Jenkins

COUNCIL MEMBERS

UDV Vice President• Roma Britnell UDV Council Members• John Keely (Region 1)• Time Leahy (Region 2)• Daryl Hoey (Region 3)• Gordon Nicholas (Region 4)• Paul Mumford (Region 5)• Damien Murphy (Region 6)• John Versteden (Region 7)• Nick Reynard (Region 9)• Ooonagh Kilpatrick (Region 10)

REPORT

The Victorian dairy industry headline issues in the past year were the negotiations around the China Free Trade Agreement and the election of a new Victorian government. Both of these activities have been important because they have necessitated thinking that is prioritised and strategic. They have required active working relationships with partners and the like-minded; and they have required consistent communications.

China Free Trade Agreement

The UDV objective with the CFTA was that the dairy industry voice be heard through the negotiations, just as it was through the WCB takeover period.

With the CFTA the industry defined an objective – New Zealand Plus. The UDV was determined that no matter the outcome of the negotiations, the message of what outcome best served Victoria’s dairy farmers would be widely known.

Due to the work of the UDV and national representation, the CFTA became known as the ‘Dairy Deal’, not just in the rural or regional media but also in the popular and business media.

State Election

The State Election was a priority area for the UDV. There are 11 Victorian lower house electorates with dairy farming, and a number of key Victorian Upper House members with interest and influence on dairy matters. All candidates in these regions received the UDV Victorian State Election Policy Priorities, which focus on the long term, strategic needs of the industry. Many candidates were visited during the lead up to the election with the intention to continue these visits into the coming year.

The dairy industry requires meaningful ongoing government investment in R & D especially, but also in E. Growth will also not occur or be sustained without meaningful government investment in power and transport infrastructure to maximise the potential from the $1 – 1.5 billion processors have spent or committed to spend in Victoria alone.

Other key priorities

Farmer Forums – more than 700 members and other farmers attended UDV hosted Farmer Forums on the China FTA, the use of GM rye grass in the dairy industry, the impact of onshore gas mining in the dairy industry and Workplace Relations sessions.

Immigration - UDV found a solution to the immigration impasse experienced by hundreds of former New Zealand dairy farmers that have owned and operated dairy farms in this state for years.

BJD Review - UDV offered a voice for the hundreds of farming businesses that feel commercially trapped in what many regard as an ineffective program that manages BJD in this state.

Electronic NVD - UDV represented the NVD cost impost unfairness with dairy stock sales.

Energy - UDV continues to challenge the power company’s delivery of reliable, cost effective and high quality energy supply as well as access to affordable energy efficient technology.

Young Farmer Leadership Development - UDV ran the annual NZ Study Tour which creates leadership training and opportunities to young members of the Victorian dairy industry. An initiative this year was the addition of a program designed to introduce young dairy leaders to the various elements of the dairy industry service and lobby and advocacy sectors.


COMMODITY REPORTS


China FTA The Victorian dairy industry is export dependant and needed significant tariff advantages from the Australia China FTA negotiations to remain globally competitive in an export oriented market.

Our biggest export competitor, New Zealand gains a significant economic advantage by having an FTA in place since 2008.

UDV coordinated the Victorian dairy industry strategy promoting ‘NZ Plus’ involving a range of industry partners.

UDV Policy Council agreed on a campaign to effectively communicate to politicians and media the 10-15% tariff disadvantages compared to New Zealand on Australian dairy trade with China.

UDV ran a series of Farmers Forums designed to inform members and other farmers on the issue.

The final outcome from the negotiations included all of the ‘NZ Plus’ expectations identified and promoted by the UDV.

State Election Strategy

Dairy is Victoria’s largest agricultural industry. It is therefore appropriate that politicians in dairy electorates understand the value of dairy and the issues facing the industry.

The UDV developed and promoted a dairy specific state election document which highlighted key areas priorities for dairy in Victoria.

UDV engaged broadly with industry in the development of the election document and met with many candidates from key dairy electorates across the state.

Dairy issues prioritised and consistently communicated by the industry.

Electorate data developed for the process by UDV is now being updated and expanded for industry use.

The dairy industry is now trialling a Societal Shapers program to expand the influence of dairy including at shire level.

Developing future leaders

The UDV has been running a study tour to New Zealand for several years. The tour identifies young dairy industry leaders and is intended to strengthen their industry knowledge and networks.

The 2015 Tour ran successfully in February. The use of a tour blog, Facebook and Twitter raised the profile of the tour.

All participants achieved the education accreditation element of the tour and reported to the industry at the UDV Annual Conference.

In response to a record number of applicants, the UDV organised a supplementary event for applicants to coincide with the dairy industry calendar of events through late November.

Funding has been secured for one more year for the New Zealand Tour and the Developing Dairy Leaders November activity.

A number of tour participants from earlier trips have recently taken on UDV branch office bearer positions.

Johne’s Disease Test & Control Program (TCP)3 management review.

Cattle producer funds are used to support a program intended to control BJD in Victorian herds. UDV believed it was timely for a full review of the TCP3 to ensure funds committed are used to the best effect.

A full review of Johne’s Disease Test & Control Program has been completed.

UDV has presented the report outcomes to three Farmer Forums held across the state.

UDV also hosted a briefing session with the appointed consultants, milk processors and other industry players.

Minister Pulford will receive recommendations from the Cattle Compensation Fund based on the report findings before an announcement on future BJD control measures.



COMMODITY REPORTS


RD&E Funding There is ongoing concern over state government funding levels for research, development and extension services and the increase in farmer contributions for these services.

UDV led the increased focus on state government contributions to RD&E and actively sought long term funding commitments from the state government that is not directly tied to equivalent farmer contributions.

UDV has coordinated dairy industry concern on the issue and encouraged other farming commodities to be similarly active.

UDV also highlighted industry concerns to the management of DEPI and the former state Agriculture Minister.

The issue remains a priority for the dairy industry with no firm funding commitments for the industry to plan beyond the current CRC agreement which expires mid 2016.

Onshore Gas Onshore gas is a highly politicised issue. Many dairy farmers have expressed concern over the impact of mining in their neighbourhood.

Dairy farmers want to ensure that mining does not impact their capacity to deliver a perishable food product to processors.

Provided information to members about the current activity in Victoria and their rights as landholders.

In communication with the dairy industry to ensure unique dairy concerns are addressed.

Developed issues information bulletin for dairy farmers.

Conducted Farmer Forums to present industry experts to meet with farmers.

UDV continues to work within the state governments review framework.

Employing overseas labour

There are numerous visa options available for overseas workers who are employed on farm.

It can be confusing for farmers to understand what options are available when looking to employ a temporary skilled worker to fill labour gaps.

The UDV has worked with the Department of Immigration to clarify the visa options available and the possible eligibility requirements of each.

Material detailing the immigration options, obligations & responsibilities has been developed and made available to UDV branches and members.

-

Milk Pricing Milk pricing is complex and therefore difficult for dairy farmers to reliably assess different price structures offered by milk companies.

UDV has previously focussed industry discussions on milk price systems and distorted pricing signals to farmers.

A Discussion Paper was developed for use by the industry.

A number of milk processors have implemented new price structures that allow farmers to clearly measure the milk return against the cost of production.

UDV will again host an industry discussion on this issue as a tool to maintain pressure on processors to provide clearer price indicators to farmers.

New Zealand Immigration

Former overseas citizens living in Australia have raised frustration with the immigration system. The dairy industry has benefited over the years with strong migration, especially from New Zealand. Under the old system these people were effectively excluded from successfully applying for permanent residency and eventual Australian citizenship.

The UDV identified opportunities for reform to the system and worked closely with Federal and the Victorian Government to amend 888 Visa clauses to assist eligible farmers in the dairy industry to qualify for permanent residency.

-



COMMODITY REPORTS


Young Farmer Financing

Access to an efficient and effective young farmer finance model has been a concern for agriculture for many years.

UDV has been promoting a Nuffield scholar report that promotes discussion on the possibility of utilising existing finance reserves (FMD’s and superannuation funds) with the disciplines of the existing financial structures to provide increased finance opportunities for young or new people wishing to farm.

The UDV continues to promote the farmer finance concept with the banking and dairy industries to further refine the model and to find enough support within these sectors to effectively communicate it to government for adoption.

Assisting members with migration advice

UDV has partnered with True Blue Migration to provide immigration advice to UDV members at a discounted rate.

Since UDV formed this partnership in November 2014, over 10 UDV members have contacted True Blue Migration for immigration advice.

UDV will continue to promote this service and refer members to True Blue Migration.

Energy Savings Dairy farmers are disproportionately exposed to electricity costs due to high power needs in milk harvesting, milk cooling and water heating.

It is our priority that farmers have reliable, cost effective and high quality energy supply, and access to affordable energy efficiency technology.

During the state election UDV called for the strategic replacement of single wire earth return lines with three-phase power, to improve the quality and reliability of power supply.

UDV has developed a paper calling on the Victorian government to provide grants for on-farm energy efficiency infrastructure.

Lobbying to change the VEET scheme so that farmers are able to access discounts for energy efficiency technologies, or are not charged for the scheme if not available to them.

UDV continues to meet with stakeholders to represent dairy farmers on a range of energy issues and assist members with energy queries.



COMMODITY REPORTS

Young Agribusiness Professionals (YAPs)

COMMITTEE CHAIR

Amy Fay

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

• Ashlee Hammond• Claire Bibby• Jessica Skilbeck• Katherine Snell• Shara Leddy• Tristan Shannon• Virginia Commins• William Ryan

REPORT

Over 2014-15 the YAPs committee has concentrated its efforts on consolidating membership and adding value to membership, by focusing on professional development and networking opportunities for young farmers and agribusiness professionals.

The committee is delighted to report that efforts have culminated in membership numbers doubling over the past 12 months. Additionally, engagement through social media and other communication channels has continued to grow, and we now boast a network reach that extends to more than 10,000 people in the industry. The committee has also worked at improving two way communication with members in order to direct the development of activities. A survey of the YAPs network provided key information to inform future membership benefits, events and the conference.

YAPs have hosted a number of well attended events over the past twelve months, in an attempt to engage more with members, particularly those living rurally. These events aim to not only to serve as networking opportunities, but facilitate the sharing of knowledge and expertise. These events include dinners hosted in Melbourne and Horsham, a two-day on-farm tour in the North-East, farm business workshops across the State, and of course, our 2015 Conference and Gala Dinner in Bendigo.

To deliver these events YAPs has collaborated with a number of key stakeholders, including the Department of Economic Development, and built genuine working relationships. We are particularly proud of the commencement of a number of collaborative projects with the NSW Young Farmers and the Future Farmers Network, especially as we move towards the ‘Streamline and Strengthen’ farm representation model. The committee is looking forward to continued collaboration with these and other young farmer organisations and seeing many other projects come into fruition.

In the lead up to the 2014 Victorian State election, YAPs unveiled their Future Harvest Project, a strategic platform that seeks to address the current gap in support for young people in our industry. It focuses on networking, mentoring, internships, and skill development opportunities. YAPs will continue to strive towards fulfilling all of the key deliverables in this project.

Additionally we look forward to continuing to assist Minister Jaala Pulford with her young farmer initiatives which include a Young Farmer Ministerial Advisory Council and Young Farmer Scholarship Program.


COMMODITY REPORTS


Future Harvest Project

The Future Harvest Project was a funding submission put to both sides of Government prior to the 2014 Victorian State Election. This document outlined the goals and direction of the YAPs group and a clear strategy through which to achieve this. The focus is on providing young people with professional and personal networking opportunities, skills and training, and creating clearer pathways towards employment, with the ultimate goal of securing the future of Australian agriculture.

This project was well received, with the Coalition making a $500,000 election promise.

The launch of the project also generated substantial interest in print and radio media outlets, which showcased the positive work YAPs and the VFF are doing to represent young people in agriculture.

Despite this commitment not being met by the Labor Government, YAPs have met with DEDJTR and the Minister’s office on several occasions to discuss young farmers and agribusiness professionals and look forward to continuing to work closely with the new Government in 2015-16 to deliver on some, if not all, of the Future Harvest Project’s key deliverables. YAPs is also considering other measures as to become more financially viable and self-fund many of these initiatives.

Young Farmer Finance

YAPs support measures that make farming more attractive for young people.

YAPs continues to field member enquires regarding the availability of Young Farmer Finance through Rural Finance and the Stamp Duty concession administered by the State Revenue Office.

YAPs have also been involved in discussions with DEDJTR and the Minister’s Office surrounding their Young Farmer initiatives, which include a scholarship program.

YAPs are supportive of the finance schemes, where they allow young farmers to be efficient, productive producers, or as with the scholarship program, up-skill. YAPs are keen to see these initiatives be applied to as many young farmers as possible, and also, where possible, support those in the agricultural supply chain. YAPs continues to work with the Minister’s Office to highlight the many different pathways into farming in Victoria and the contribution the supply chain, particularly the farm service industry, contributes to agriculture productivity and profitability.

Food and Fibre Careers

YAPs support agricultural education in primary and secondary schools.

Funding for the Food and Fibre Careers Officer, which YAPs had previously lobbied for, concluded in April.

YAPs wish to note that the work of the Food and Fibre Careers Officer was particularly positive in engaging with secondary school aged children and informing them about the opportunities available in agriculture.



Member Engagement

YAPs have focused on increasing member engagement and enthusiasm. The committee felt that significant work needed to be done to renew member confidence in the organisation and ensure that the group was meeting the needs and wants of young people in the industry - so that we may be an effective voice.

YAPs have managed to almost double membership over the past 12 months and attendance numbers at events has steadily climbed.

A survey of YAPs members was conducted which provided key feedback to drive membership, event and conference development.

The survey results and other feedback demonstrates that there is significant potential for YAPs to continue to grow and become a trusted source of information and support for young people in agriculture. This is particularly so in regional and rural areas, as a number of members have specifically requested more coverage in regional areas.

The increase in membership and event attendance is testament that we are improving in our engagement with members and potential future members.

These increases have been most pronounced in metropolitan Melbourne and our student membership which has provided an excellent model to extend to regional areas. This approach was trialled in Horsham was success and YAPs are now looking at opportunities to extend this more broadly.



COMMODITY REPORTS


Member Communications

YAPs reviewed how they are communicating with members and potential future members. The committee felt that there were a lot of different messages coming from a lot of different sources and these could be better unified.

As a result of this review, social media engagement has increased significantly, our Twitter followers grew by 1500, Facebook friends grew by 750 and we launched the YAPs Instagram.

We also evaluated how we can better communicate using our email database, website, and improve the image of our event and membership marketing material.

It is imperative that YAPs consider how young people communicate, what information they seek and what appeals to them. The increased level of engagement, attendance at YAPs events, and general interest in the group highlights that we have improved our communication.

The committee looks forward to further pursuing this project in 2015-2016.

YAPs Conference Feedback from the Committee and attendees of the 2013 Lorne Conference highlighted it as a great success, and the hosting of a Conference and Gala Dinner in 2015 was a key priority for the group. Excellent networking opportunities and a high calibre of speakers were to be pursued, to ensure that the day continutes to be relevant and beneficial for all attendees.

YAPs succeeded in attracting a range of excellent speakers to cover topical industry issues and share knowledge and expertise in the hope of up-skilling attendees.

The Committee put in a lot of time and effort to ensure that the full potential of this event was reached. Feedback from the survey was used to develop the conference program to ensure it meets member needs and expectations. YAPs hopes that it can continue to sustainably run linchpin events on an annual basis.

Value Proposition Document

The Committee identified that YAPs could improve on the sustainability and accountability of its financial administration, regardless of the status of Government funding. The Committee considered how YAPs could best position itself to industry to gather wider financial support, in order to better support our members. The Committee decided that a Value Proposition Document should be composed to clarify the purpose and goals of YAPs in order to recruit broader industry support to achieve outcomes.

A Conference Prospectus was successfully put together and used to gather sponsor support for the Conference, to ensure full cost recovery.

The success of the Conference Prospectus will be reviewed post Conference and the document will be reworked and changed where necessary to create a general Value Proposition Document, that highlights to industry and agribusiness the benefits of supporting a network that supports the future leaders of Australian agriculture.


LOOKING FORWARD

YAPs seek to simultaneously build membership numbers and existing member engagement, particularly by increasing rural and regional presence. This will be done by continuing to host networking and skill development events across the State. YAPs also plan to continue to build relationships with tertiary and higher education providers, so young people entering agriculture have closer engagement with the industry.

The YAPs Committee will continue to explore ways in which it can sustainably service the needs and wants of members to provide value for membership by reviewing its membership structure, communications strategy and event calendar.

The YAPS Committee will also continue to develop the positive working relationship it has achieved with the Minister’s Office and Department, in order to provide input in existing and future policies that impact young people in agriculture in Victoria.

The Committee is very excited about the growing interest and enthusiasm surrounding the organisation and looks forward to a thriving 2015-16.


COMMODITY REPORTS

Notes


1. These Orders of Debate shall be applicable to all Policy Council Meetings, Committee Meetings, Annual General Meeting and Annual Conference, and shall be interpreted subject to the Constitution.

2. The Chairman shall at all times be in control of the meeting and, unless disagreed with by a majority of those present, the Chairman’s ruling shall be final and binding.

3. Any member desiring to speak at the meeting shall rise in his/her place or otherwise catch the Chairman’s eye and when called upon by the Chairman shall address the Chair. If two or more members rise simultaneously, the Chairman shall call upon the member who first caught his/her eye.

4. Unless otherwise determined by the Chairman, the mover of a motion shall be entitled to speak for three minutes and may with the approval of the meeting, continue to address the meeting for a period not exceeding two minutes. Other speakers to the motion and/or the mover of an amendment or other speakers to an amendment shall be entitled to speak for a maximum of two minutes and may, with the approval of the meeting, continue to speak for a further period not exceeding two minutes.

5. A motion or amendment, which has no seconder, shall lapse.

6. A motion or amendment before the Chair shall not be withdrawn except by its mover and by leave of the meeting. No motion shall be withdrawn while any amendment is under discussion or after any amendment has been adopted.

7. A motion or amendment before the Chair may be reworded by the mover subject to leave of the meeting.

8. No member shall speak more than once to any question, except that the mover of a motion (but not of an amendment) shall have a right of reply, which reply shall close the debate. An amendment shall constitute a separate question from the original motion and from any other amendment. (The mover of an original motion shall retain the right of reply if the motion is amended in subsequent debate).

9. A member moving a motion or amendment shall be deemed to have spoken to it. A member seconding a motion or amendment without speaking to it may reserve his/her right to speak to it subsequently.

10. When an amendment is before the Chair discussion shall be confined to that amendment. Notices of further amendment may be given but not debated.

11. The Chairman shall, as far as practicable, call on speakers for and against a motion or amendment alternatively, subject to the right of the seconder to speak immediately after the mover. If two consecutive speakers have both argued for or against a motion or an amendment, and there is no member wishing to argue the opposite view or, in the case of a motion, to move an amendment, the motion or the amendment shall, (subject, in the case of a motion, to the mover’s right of reply) be put without further debate.

12. Any member may raise a point of order, which shall take precedence over all other business. The member making the point of order shall concisely state the point of order, whereupon the Chairman, without further discussion, shall rule on the issue. An explanation or contradiction shall not constitute a point of order.

13. Any member disagreeing with the Chairman’s ruling on a point of order may move dissent. The Chairman shall then vacate the Chair and such motion shall be put forthwith without debate.

14. The Chairman of all meetings held within The Federation and within the Commodity Groups shall have a deliberative vote and in the case of equality of votes shall have a casting vote.

15. Any member who has not spoken to a motion may move that the motion be now put. When seconded, the motion shall be put without amendment or debate. The Chairman shall have absolute discretion to accept or refuse the motion. The Chairman may also of his/her own volition put the question if he/she feels that adequate discussion has taken place. In either case, the mover of a motion shall retain his right of reply.

16. All resolutions submitted to Conference and duly included in the agenda shall be debated unless the resolution lapses for lack of a mover and/or seconder or if the mover of the resolution seeks and obtains leave of the meeting to withdraw it.

17. Any member may at any time move the adjournment of the debate. Such motions shall be put without amendment or debate. If the motion is defeated, the mover shall not be allowed to speak again on the question under debate. If the motion is resolved in the affirmative, the mover shall have the right to participate in the debate during the ensuing period.

18. No member shall move the adjournment of the debate at the end of their speech.

19. The Orders of Debate 1 - 18 or any one of them may be suspended by a majority of those present. A motion to this effect shall be open to debate.

VFF Standing Orders

Insurance, Superannuation & Finance

Tailo

red

insu

ranc

e op

tions

. Vis

it

ww

w.w

fi.co

m.a

u to

con

nect

with

you

r lo

cal a

rea

man

ager

Vis

it w

ww

.sun

corp

bank

.com

.au

to

conn

ect w

ith y

our

loca

l rep

rese

ntat

ive

Enjo

y lo

w fe

es, t

ailo

red

inve

stm

ent

optio

ns, fl

exib

le in

sura

nce

optio

ns &

ac

cess

you

r on

line

acco

unt.

Con

tact

Ro

d St

ewar

t on

04

28 5

88

158

, rstewart@

primesuper.com

.au

or

visi

t www.prim

esuper.com

.au

Acc

ess

your

ow

n st

ockb

roke

r, sp

ecia

lised

repo

rts

on c

ompa

nies

an

d th

e ec

onom

y. B

roke

rage

fees

at

mem

ber

rate

s. C

all 1

300

213

617

Rece

ive

up to

25%

dis

coun

t on

your

bu

sine

ss m

eter

. Cal

l the

VFF

sup

port

lin

e on

130

0 1

38 1

49

Bulk

gas

dea

l. M

inim

um a

nnua

l usa

ge

20,0

00

L an

d ta

nk s

ize

min

imum

20

00

L. A

pply

now

for

amaz

ing

disc

ount

s

Off

erin

g en

ergy

man

agem

ent s

ervi

ces

to c

onsu

mer

s sp

endi

ng o

ver

$15,

00

0

a ye

ar p

er m

eter

. Cal

l 130

0 2

77 2

33

for

mor

e

Save

on

dom

estic

LPG

. Mel

bour

ne/

Gee

long

are

a 8

0c/

L +

GST

. Oth

er

area

s 90

c/L

+ G

ST. T

&C

s ap

ply

Energy, Gas Savings & Lighting

Dis

coun

ted

rate

s w

ith

Qan

tas

Clu

b. S

ave

$14

0 o

n jo

inin

g fe

e, $

113

on 1

yea

r m

embe

rshi

p. C

all V

FF fo

r m

ore

info

rmat

ion

Pref

erre

d ra

tes

for

VFF

m

embe

rs w

hen

stay

ing

in

Bend

igo.

Cal

l 18

00

278

468

Mem

ber

bene

fits

on a

ll yo

ur te

chno

logy

and

te

leco

mm

unic

atio

n ne

eds.

Stay

in M

elbo

urne

for

$20

0

a ni

ght,

with

bre

akfa

st,

inte

rnet

and

par

king

. Cal

l 18

00

333

10

4

Dis

coun

ts a

nd fr

ee d

eliv

ery

to V

FF M

embe

rs. C

all t

he

VFF

for

how

to o

rder

Mem

ber

pric

ing

on

wom

en’s

Mus

k an

d m

en’s

En

dura

boo

ts. V

isit

w

ww

.vff.

org.

au a

nd lo

gin

to o

rder

and

rece

ive

free

de

liver

y

15%

dis

coun

t on

hom

ewar

es fo

r m

embe

rs.

ww

w.m

anoi

rhom

ewar

es.

com

.au

20%

off

sel

ecte

d pr

oduc

ts

VFF

and

Sea

n Si

mm

ons

Trav

el p

roud

ly p

rovi

de

inte

rnat

iona

l and

dom

estic

tr

avel

for

VFF

Mem

bers

Health, Lifestyle & Travel

Self-

man

aged

OH

&S

solu

tions

. M

embe

rs re

ceiv

e a

savi

ng o

f $3

60/y

ear.

Cal

l 130

0 6

51 1

77

Nis

san

natio

nal fl

eet p

rici

ng, fl

eet

finan

ce, c

ap p

rice

d se

rvic

ing,

24

hou

r as

sist

. Cal

l 18

00

737

487

Agr

i-m

arke

t ana

lysi

s. R

ecei

ve

a th

ree

mon

th fr

ee tr

ial v

alue

d at

$75

On-

farm

sec

urity

sys

tem

s an

d G

PS v

ehic

le s

ecur

ity.

Cal

l 130

0 7

47

587

5% d

isco

unt o

n no

n-pr

omot

iona

l pr

oduc

ts

10%

off

full

rang

e an

d se

ason

al

disc

ount

s fo

r m

embe

rs

ww

w.b

eaur

epai

res.

com

.au

All

mem

bers

rece

ive

a co

py

of F

arm

Gui

de –

an

agri

cultu

ral

refe

renc

e di

rect

ory.

For

mor

e in

form

atio

n ca

ll 11

00

or

visi

t ww

w.11

00

.com

.au

20%

dis

coun

t on

sam

plin

g

and

test

ing.

10%

off

all

test

ing

for

V

FF m

embe

rs

Live

stoc

k m

anag

emen

t sof

twar

e at

dis

coun

ted

rate

s. C

all D

ouga

l M

cInt

yre

on 0

40

9 54

1 61

8 o

r do

ugal

@sa

pien

.com

.au

Aer

ial i

mag

ing

at d

isco

unte

d ra

tes

for

mem

bers

. Cal

l Phi

l on

04

16 0

29 8

96 o

r

ww

w.fa

lcon

uav.

com

.au

Vehicles & Transport

ShedsEducation &Recources OH&S

Labo

ur h

ire, s

taff

sol

utio

ns,

payr

oll s

ervi

ces

and

cash

flow

m

anag

emen

t. C

all 9

656

9777

Insurance, Superannuation & Finance

Tailo

red

insu

ranc

e op

tions

. Vis

it

ww

w.w

fi.co

m.a

u to

con

nect

with

you

r lo

cal a

rea

man

ager

Vis

it w

ww

.sun

corp

bank

.com

.au

to

conn

ect w

ith y

our

loca

l rep

rese

ntat

ive

Enjo

y lo

w fe

es, t

ailo

red

inve

stm

ent

optio

ns, fl

exib

le in

sura

nce

optio

ns &

ac

cess

you

r on

line

acco

unt.

Con

tact

Ro

d St

ewar

t on

04

28 5

88

158

, rstewart@

primesuper.com

.au

or

visi

t www.prim

esuper.com

.au

Acc

ess

your

ow

n st

ockb

roke

r, sp

ecia

lised

repo

rts

on c

ompa

nies

an

d th

e ec

onom

y. B

roke

rage

fees

at

mem

ber

rate

s. C

all 1

300

213

617

Rece

ive

up to

25%

dis

coun

t on

your

bu

sine

ss m

eter

. Cal

l the

VFF

sup

port

lin

e on

130

0 1

38 1

49

Bulk

gas

dea

l. M

inim

um a

nnua

l usa

ge

20,0

00

L an

d ta

nk s

ize

min

imum

20

00

L. A

pply

now

for

amaz

ing

disc

ount

s

Off

erin

g en

ergy

man

agem

ent s

ervi

ces

to c

onsu

mer

s sp

endi

ng o

ver

$15,

00

0

a ye

ar p

er m

eter

. Cal

l 130

0 2

77 2

33

for

mor

e

Save

on

dom

estic

LPG

. Mel

bour

ne/

Gee

long

are

a 8

0c/

L +

GST

. Oth

er

area

s 90

c/L

+ G

ST. T

&C

s ap

ply

Energy, Gas Savings & Lighting

Dis

coun

ted

rate

s w

ith

Qan

tas

Clu

b. S

ave

$14

0 o

n jo

inin

g fe

e, $

113

on 1

yea

r m

embe

rshi

p. C

all V

FF fo

r m

ore

info

rmat

ion

Pref

erre

d ra

tes

for

VFF

m

embe

rs w

hen

stay

ing

in

Bend

igo.

Cal

l 18

00

278

468

Mem

ber

bene

fits

on a

ll yo

ur te

chno

logy

and

te

leco

mm

unic

atio

n ne

eds.

Stay

in M

elbo

urne

for

$20

0

a ni

ght,

with

bre

akfa

st,

inte

rnet

and

par

king

. Cal

l 18

00

333

10

4

Dis

coun

ts a

nd fr

ee d

eliv

ery

to V

FF M

embe

rs. C

all t

he

VFF

for

how

to o

rder

Mem

ber

pric

ing

on

wom

en’s

Mus

k an

d m

en’s

En

dura

boo

ts. V

isit

w

ww

.vff.

org.

au a

nd lo

gin

to o

rder

and

rece

ive

free

de

liver

y

15%

dis

coun

t on

hom

ewar

es fo

r m

embe

rs.

ww

w.m

anoi

rhom

ewar

es.

com

.au

20%

off

sel

ecte

d pr

oduc

ts

VFF

and

Sea

n Si

mm

ons

Trav

el p

roud

ly p

rovi

de

inte

rnat

iona

l and

dom

estic

tr

avel

for

VFF

Mem

bers

Health, Lifestyle & Travel

Self-

man

aged

OH

&S

solu

tions

. M

embe

rs re

ceiv

e a

savi

ng o

f $3

60/y

ear.

Cal

l 130

0 6

51 1

77

Nis

san

natio

nal fl

eet p

rici

ng, fl

eet

finan

ce, c

ap p

rice

d se

rvic

ing,

24

hou

r as

sist

. Cal

l 18

00

737

487

Agr

i-m

arke

t ana

lysi

s. R

ecei

ve

a th

ree

mon

th fr

ee tr

ial v

alue

d at

$75

On-

farm

sec

urity

sys

tem

s an

d G

PS v

ehic

le s

ecur

ity.

Cal

l 130

0 7

47

587

5% d

isco

unt o

n no

n-pr

omot

iona

l pr

oduc

ts

10%

off

full

rang

e an

d se

ason

al

disc

ount

s fo

r m

embe

rs

ww

w.b

eaur

epai

res.

com

.au

All

mem

bers

rece

ive

a co

py

of F

arm

Gui

de –

an

agri

cultu

ral

refe

renc

e di

rect

ory.

For

mor

e in

form

atio

n ca

ll 11

00

or

visi

t ww

w.11

00

.com

.au

20%

dis

coun

t on

sam

plin

g

and

test

ing.

10%

off

all

test

ing

for

V

FF m

embe

rs

Live

stoc

k m

anag

emen

t sof

twar

e at

dis

coun

ted

rate

s. C

all D

ouga

l M

cInt

yre

on 0

40

9 54

1 61

8 o

r do

ugal

@sa

pien

.com

.au

Aer

ial i

mag

ing

at d

isco

unte

d ra

tes

for

mem

bers

. Cal

l Phi

l on

04

16 0

29 8

96 o

r

ww

w.fa

lcon

uav.

com

.au

Vehicles & Transport

ShedsEducation &Recources OH&S

Labo

ur h

ire, s

taff

sol

utio

ns,

payr

oll s

ervi

ces

and

cash

flow

m

anag

emen

t. C

all 9

656

9777

Your Voice Your VFF

P: 1300 882 833 | W: VFF.ORG.AU

Documents

Your Voice Your VFF 2014-15... · YOUR VOICE YOUR VFF ... (Bears Lagoon) CONFERENCE AGENDA. CONFERENCE AGENDA. Your Voice Your VFF. CONFERENCE AGENDA VFF Conference Agenda • Land