One event
Released 20 Jun 2008
Federated Farmers of New Zealand is again combining the annual conferences of its National Council, Grain & Seeds, Meat & Fibre and Dairy industry groups into one event.
The theme, this year for One Event, is Food for Thought and it will take place at the Rydges Hotel in Christchurch over June 24, 25 and 26, 2008.
When:
June 24-25: Meat & Fibre, Grain & Seeds, and Dairy industry group annual conferences.
June 25-26: Federated Farmers National Council's annual conference.
Up to 200 delegates and observers are expected to attend One Event over the three days.
It would be helpful for catering purposes if media could indicate intention to attend to ktait@fedfarm.org.nz. Please note meetings may go into committee from time to time, at which point non-delegates will be asked to temporarily leave the room.
For more information:
Kara Wright, Communications Advisor, 04 470 2162, 027 226 0306
National Conference - June 25 and 26
Highlights of the National Conference include speeches from:
- Federated Farmers President Charlie Pedersen, he will give a final address before stepping down from the National Board.
- Doug Steel, senior economist from Westpac Banking Group in New Zealand will give the economic perspective on the state of agriculture.
- Brett Ashley, general manager merchandise, Progressive Enterprises, who will talk about consumer food trends and the relationship between farm and supermarket.
Professor Jacqueline Rowarth of Massey University, who will address the issue of the important role that food producers play in the New Zealand economy. - A panel discussion on water, the great divide features Terry Heiler, consultant and well known expert of water issues and Mark Solomon, Kaiwhakahaere, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu.
- There will also be a political forum to which all political parties have been invited to attend.
National Conference also includes elections and remits.
The Federation is expecting major changes on the National Board this year with president Charlie Pedersen, and board member Bruce McNab standing down. As well Andrew Gillanders, chairman of Grain & Seed and Frank Brenmuhl, chairman of Dairy will be retiring from their roles as industry chairman.
Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre Conference - June 24 and 25
A highlight for the Meat and Fibre Conference will be a meat industry forum with a panel of speakers giving their views on the industry followed by questions from the floor. The panel speakers are: Mike Petersen, chairman, Meat & Wool New Zealand; Simon Gatenby, CEO, Taylor Preston Ltd; Keith Woodford, professor of farm management and agribusiness at Lincoln University; and Hayley Moynihan senior analyst, Rabobank.
In addition, there will be presentations concerning: Wool Grower Holdings Ltd; Sustainable land management; and the Commodities Levy Act Referendum.
Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre represents the interests of 8,000 meat and fibre producers from around New Zealand. Its council consists of the Meat & Fibre chairman, executives, and representatives from 24 provinces throughout New Zealand.
Federated Farmers Dairy - June 24 and 25
A booklet demystifying Resource Management Act policy development process for that will dairy farmers will be launched at the Dairy Conference. Frank Brenmuhl says the Dairy Industry Guidelines for Developing RMA Policy is a great step forward for industry and regulators working together rather in opposition.
Federated Farmers Dairy represents the interests of the dairying sector. The Dairy Council is made up of the chair Frank Brenmuhl, the executive and representatives from 24 provinces.
Federated Farmers Grain & Seed - June 24 and 25
The Grain & Seed conference includes the annual general meetings for United Wheatgrowers, Herbage Seedgrowers Sub-section and the Grain & Seed Council.
The Ravensdown Wheat Quality Awards will also be presented on the evening of Tuesday June 24 at a cocktail function. These awards recognise the best wheat growers in the country and encourage high quality grain and best industry practice.
Other highlights include John Hartnell Federated Farmers Bee industry group chairman talking on pollination issues and how growers can protect bees better.
