Blueprint forum travels to Toowoomba

The Blueprint for Australian Agriculture forum will travel to Toowoomba next week, and the National Farmers’ Federation is calling on all local farmers, transporters, processors, retailers, consultants, rural businesses, agribusinesses and community groups to take part. The forum, taking place at the Highfields Cultural Centre from 1-5pm on Wednesday 7 March, will provide an opportunity for those with an interest in, or involvement with, agriculture to have their say on the future of the farming sector. “The Blueprint is about giving you the opportunity to have your say on the issues and challenges facing the agricultural sector and its supply chain now and in the future,” NFF President Jock Laurie said. “It’s about working together to achieve a strong and sustainable future for our sector, and mapping out where we as an industry want to go – and how we’re going to get there. “Farmers are already facing the challenge of having to grow more food and fibre with less land, less water, less impact on the environment and fewer people. At the same time, policy makers the world over are making decisions that have a direct impact on us. “It’s essential that Australian agriculture makes it voice heard, but to do that, we must first know where we’re going and how we’re going to get there. “And, if the Blueprint is to truly reflect the views of the agricultural industry and the supply chain, then it is essential that all within agriculture are heard. We encourage you to come along next week and have your say,” Mr Laurie said. The Blueprint forum will be held in the Peter Rorke Auditorium at Highfields Cultural Centre, O’Brien Road, Highfields, from 1-5pm on Wednesday 7 March. For more information, or to register to attend the Toowoomba forum, please visit the http://www.nff.org.au/blueprint[Blueprint website] or phone the NFF on 02 6269 5666. The Blueprint for Australian Agriculture is an initiative of the NFF, in partnership with Westpac and Woolworths. The Toowoomba Blueprint forum is proudly supported by AgForce QLD, Australian Livestock & Property Agents Association, Australian Dairy Farmers, Cattle Council of Australia, Australian Veterinary Association, Corporate Agriculture Group, Cotton Australia, Goat Industry Council of Australia, GrainCorp, GrainGrowers, Ridley Corporation, Sheepmeat Council of Australia and WoolProducers Australia.