What is Federated Farmers?

New Zealand's leading rural sector organisation, Federated Farmers of New Zealand represents farmers and rural families.

Voice of farmers
A network of 24 provinces, together with associated area networks or branches, provides a locally based, democratic organisation that gives farmers a collective voice nationally and within each province.

Offices
The Wellington office provides a centre for policy development, advocacy, lobbying and advisory services. The main administration centre is based in Hamilton. There are also offices in Auckland, Tauranga, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Nelson, Christchurch, Ashburton, Timaru, Dunedin and Invercargill.

Industry Groups
With seven industry groups representing the specific interests of meat and fibre, dairy, goats, rural butchers, high country, grain and seed farmers and beekeepers, the Federation covers a broad spectrum of the rural community.

Each industry group represents the interests of that particular sector, and is supported by policy and administration staff.

Governance
The Federation is governed by a National Board and a National Council. The National Board meets six times a year and is comprised of a president, vice-president, two board members and three industry group chairs. The National Council involves the National Board and representatives from each of the 24 provinces and meets twice a year.

Policy
Policy is member driven. Member views are canvassed by staff and elected representatives who formulate submissions that help local and central government decision making.

Accountability
As a voluntary, member-funded organisation, Federated Farmers is accountable to its farmer members.