Ag issues and opportunities on the Wagga agenda

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) will host a Blueprint for Australian Agriculture forum in Wagga this week and all local farmers and agricultural businesses are invited to attend. NFF President Jock Laurie and CEO Matt Linnegar will be attending the forum, and are calling on all involved with, or interested in, agriculture in the Riverina to attend the forum, which will take place at the Country Comfort in Wagga from 1pm to 5pm this Wednesday, 4 April. “Farmers in the Riverina have faced a very challenging time of late, with recent floods causing enormous damage to crops, fences, railway lines and roads. Incredible really, when you consider one of the biggest challenges facing this area is the proposed Murray-Darling Basin Plan – from too much water, to not enough,” Mr Laurie said. “We expect water will be one of the major issues on the agenda at the Blueprint forum, as it has been in many of the states already visited as part of the Blueprint roadshow. “We are already seeking definite trends emerge from the Blueprint – like the profitability of our family farms, the perception of agriculture among the wider community and the challenge of encouraging the next generation of farmers. “These issues are the same for farmers across the country – while of course, some states and territories have more specific concerns, like land use change in QLD with the mining and CSG boom, and market access in the NT, given the challenges in the livestock export industry. “And now it’s Wagga’s turn. The Blueprint is about giving all within the agricultural supply chain the opportunity to have their say on the issues and challenges facing the sector now and in the future. It’s about mapping out where we, as an industry, want to go, and how we’re going to get there. “And to do so, it’s essential that your voice is heard. So come along on Wednesday, and have your say,” Mr Laurie said. The Blueprint forum will be held at the Country Comfort in Wagga from 1pm to 5pm on Wednesday 4 April. The Blueprint is an initiative of the NFF, in partnership with Westpac and Woolworths. The Wagga Blueprint forum is proudly supported by NSW Farmers’, Australian Livestock & Property Agents Association, Australian Veterinary Association, Beechworth Honey, Cattle Council of Australia, Corporate Agriculture Group, Dried Fruits Australia, Goat Industry Council of Australia, GrainCorp, GrainGrowers, Ricegrowers Association of Australia, Ridley Corporation, Sheepmeat Council of Australia, the Pastoralists Association of West Darling and WoolProducers. For more information, or to register to attend the Wagga forum, please http://www.nff.org.au/blueprint[click here] or phone the NFF on 02 6269 5666.