VFF president Emma Germano: Less politics, more action for farmers

Government needs to be reminded of the huge contribution agriculture makes to the economy, writes newly-elected VFF president Emma Germano.

Newly-elected president of the Victorian Farmers Federation Emma Germano. Picture: Nicole Cleary

LAST Thursday I had the privilege of being announced as the new president of the Victorian Farmers Federation, a position I am incredibly honoured and humbled to be taking on.

The outpouring of support from members and stakeholders is encouraging and motivating.

I’ve got no intentions on wasting time letting it sink in. I’m focused on getting to work along with our new vice-president, Danyel Cucinotta.

VFF members have chosen progressive leadership and recognised the need for change. I want the VFF to be inclusive of all Victorian farmers so that we can represent the views of them with confidence.

Having a unified, strength-in-numbers industry body such as the VFF is critical to ensuring our needs as farmers are heard and listened to.

We say we are the voice of Victorian farmers and I intend to ensure this rings true for today’s diverse and wide-ranging aspects of modern farming and agriculture.

This means delivering for members on areas they expect us to fight for them on. To reel off an overused cliche, they say feedback is a gift and our members told us loud and clear earlier this year we need to evolve as a modern farming organisation and act to reflect Victoria’s agriculture industry and its needs.

We need to strip back the politics of our industry to cut through on the issues that matter most to farmers, to deliver real solutions. We cannot behave like politicians or bureaucrats if we expect to hold them to account. Less words, more action.

Government needs to be reminded of the enormous contribution Victorian agriculture makes to our economy.

The only way we will get them to listen is when we engage the voters — our consumers — to realise that food policy matters to everyone in this great country.

Now, the work begins.

● Emma Germano is Victorian Farmers Federation president

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