Victorian Farmers Federation 2020 presidential election: Emma Germano vs Leonard Vallance

With only a fortnight to go before Victorian farmers chose their next leader, have your say on who you think should take over the reins in 2021.

Who will replace David Jochinke as the next VFF president?

THE race for the Victorian Farmers Federation presidency is entering its final fortnight.

VFF horticulture group president Emma Germano and VFF livestock group president Leonard Vallance took part in the Rural Press Club of Victoria debate last week ahead of the December election.

Incumbent president, Wimmera mixed farmer David Jochinke, is standing down after serving a maximum two two-year terms.

Both candidates were pointed in their criticism of the federation’s current trajectory, noting its declining membership base.

“The image of the VFF needs to change,” Ms Germano said. “It’s not seen as a strong representative body anymore. If the members don’t reflect the farming community, it becomes really difficult for us to do advocacy.”

The need to recruit new members was echoed by Mr Vallance.

“One of the biggest disappointments I have with the VFF is the continual decline in membership,” the Ouyen farmer said.

“It happens for a number of reasons: People leave the VFF because they’re disenfranchised over a single issue; or they feel the VFF is not representing their issues well enough or hard enough in the public debate with government.”

One clear point of contention are new quad bike rules.

The two presidential candidates have taken opposing position on new laws making rollover protection devices mandatory on all quad bikes from October next year.

Mr Vallance has echoed Queensland’s peak farmer body AgForce in opposing mandatory OPDs, arguing farmer organisations needed to work with quad bike manufacturers on a national training regimen and alternative engineering solutions to curb deaths and injuries.

“If I win I’ll join AgForce in trying to oppose the mandatory OPD law,” Mr Vallance said.

Ms Germano has backed the VFF’s and National Farmers’ Federation’s position of supporting mandatory OPDs.

“I believe rollover protection (OPDs) should be on quad bikes,” Ms Germano said. “(Although) there should be room for exemptions, such as in orchards.”

The voting period started earlier this month and closes on December 8 with results expected to be announced on December 10.

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