Canberra host to Blueprint forum for agricultural industry

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) will host a http://www.nff.org.au/blueprint.html[Blueprint for Australian Agriculture] forum in Canberra tomorrow, bringing together key industry representatives from across the agricultural supply chain. The forum, which will take place from 3pm at Manuka Oval, is one of seven forums taking place in each State and Territory across the country as part of the Blueprint, however, unlike the remaining forums, is specifically focused at industry leaders. “The Blueprint is designed to be a grassroots driven process, where Australia’s 140,000 farmers, plus transporters, processors, retailers, consultants, rural businesses, agribusinesses and community groups tell us what they believe are the key issues, challenges and opportunities facing the farming sector and the supply chain – based on what they’re experiencing on the farm, on the road, in the local saleyards,” NFF President Jock Laurie said. “But the Blueprint process is also designed to give everyone with an interest in, or involvement with, agriculture an equal chance to have their say. We want to hear from everyone who has a stake in Australian agriculture, from the jillaroos in remote Kununurra to the decision-makers here in Canberra. “It’s about self-determination for all of agriculture as we confront the many challenges and opportunities that are facing us now, but most importantly, over the coming decades,” Mr Laurie said. Joining the NFF at the forum will be representatives of state farming organisations, peak agricultural bodies and commodity councils, and industry groups from the business, banking, retailing, manufacturing and processing sectors. The Blueprint is an initiative of the NFF, in partnership with Westpac and Woolworths. Media are invited to attend the forum, which is taking place from 3pm to 5pm tomorrow, Wednesday 28 February, at Manuka Oval as part of the NFF’s Members’ Council meeting.