VFF election: South Gippsland farmer Emma Germano wins presidency
The Victorian Farmers Federation has elected its first all-female leadership team in its history. We speak to new president Emma Germano about her plans alongside new vice-president Danyel Cucinotta.
SOUTH Gippsland farmer Emma Germano has won the presidency of the Victorian Farmers Federation, with third-generation egg farmer Danyel Cucinotta, from Werribee, elected VFF vice president.
Ms Germano is the managing director of her family’s mixed farming operation at Mirboo North producing irrigated crops, sheep and beef and a market garden to supply an on-farm retail outlet.
“I’m excited they (VFF members) have voted for change,” Ms Germano said. “The first thing we have to do is appoint a CEO.”
The VFF must also complete its strategic plan, which a long with appointing a new CEO, has been on hold since the elections were called in August.
Ms Germano said the VFF had been interviewing for the position since September and already had a list of preferred candidates.
“I hope we can make an announcement early next week,” she said.
The new president’s second goal is to get the strategic plan’s development rolling again, which Ms Germano hoped would be completed in four months.
“I’m sure that strategic plan will talk about restructure,” she said. “Everyone says ‘Emma’s going to abolish commodities’ … but they will continue to exist.”
As for VFF membership she wants to see it double, all members pay a flat rate and get the same level of service.
Ultimately Ms Germano said she would like to see the cost of each member’s fees offset by the offer of sponsorship deals.
The VFF’s new vice-president Danyel Cucinotta is a third-generation Victorian caged-egg farmer, whose family operates a Werribee egg farm, onsite cafe and deli.
She is a current committee member of the VFF Intensives Group and holds both an Agriculture Diploma and Bachelor of Business and is an Egg Farmers Australia media representative.
Other successful candidates in VFF elections were:
United Dairyfarmers of Victoria Region 10 (Wannon) councillor Bruce Knowles
Water Council – South West: Peter Delahunty
Water Council – Central: Kain Richardson
Water Council – North West: Tied result between Garner Smith and Christopher Wallace Smith. Policy Council to select representative.
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