But on Wednesday, April 5 a dozen primary producers made time to head to Berrigan’s Federal Hotel for the NSW Farmers Berrigan/Jerilderie branch AGM.
When Country News asked what convinced them to get out of their tractor at this time of year, with rain on the way, vice-chair Jason Brooks was quick to explain.
“By being part of NSW Farmers, we have a connection to government and our views can be put forward, which is important after a change of state government,” the local dairy producer said.
In attendance was NSW Farmers regional service manager Frank Galluzo and senior policy advisor Connie Mort.
Mr Galluzo, who hails from an irrigated potato farm at Leeton, gave an update on the organisation’s progress, including the fact they have seen six consecutive years of membership growth.
“NSW Farmers represents all agricultural industries across NSW, it is affordable advocacy for anyone who needs it. Whether it’s industrial relations, water, renewables, biodiversity, we have reliable advice and information for producers,” Mr Galluzo said.
With a newly elected Labor Government, those in attendance were reassured to hear that NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin has been working with Labor for some time.
“NSW Farmers is bipartisan, not a subsidiary of the National Party like some people incorrectly assume,” Mr Galluzo said.
Chris Stillard, who sits on the NSW Farmers board and grows persimmons at Barooga, encouraged the branch to move motions for the annual conference to be held in Sydney in July.
“The motions put forward at a branch level will be debated at conference and will form NSW Farmers policy,” Mr Stillard said.
The meeting saw a range of motions raised, including four based on water policy from Yanco Creek and Tributaries Advisory Council.
Geoff Ham and Trevor Clarke of YACTAC discussed a need to review environmental water accounting methods and evaluate Water NSW’s ability to declare flood events.
In light of on-going land use issues between agricultural land and renewable energy projects, it was moved that NSW Farmers further promote its Renewable Energy Landholder Guide among members.
“NSW Farmers are not for renewables, they are not against renewables, they are for good outcomes for farmers,” Mr Stillard said.
With a focus on good outcomes, Ms Mort spoke on policy around issues such as biosecurity, backpacker tax and roadside weed management and promoted upcoming educational opportunities on foot and mouth and biodiversity credits.
“Our role is to constantly remind the government how important agriculture is to the NSW government. It is not widely understood, so with a new government, they will need reminding,” Mr Galluzo said.
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