QUEENSLAND farmer and Southern Downs man Brent Finlay has been re-elected as the National Farmer’s Federation (NFF) president.
Mr Finlay was elected unopposed for a third term at the NFF Members’ Council meeting and AGM in Canberra yesterday.
At the meeting he said that the Australian agriculture industry was reaching record highs.
“This is an exciting time for Australian farmers,” he said.
“We’re forecast this year to reach a record $57.1 billion in farm gate earnings, and we have every expectation that agriculture may be Australia’s next $100 billion industry.
“Over the past year we’ve made significant progress in brokering new trade deals to access key Asian markets, hungry for safe, clean and sustainable Aussie produce.
“From market access through to long-term drought policy, tax reform, trade, land and water management, there are some major issues in the public domain which have a major bearing on the livelihood of farmers.”
The NFF is Australian farming’s peak body and Mr Finlay has been at the helm since 2013.
“I extend my ongoing thanks to the vice-president and board who are so ably navigating the NFF through a process of significant change, and helping promote an exciting vision for Australian agriculture,” Mr Finlay said.
Mixed farmer and grazier Fiona Simson returned to the role of vice-president.
All five directors from the previous board have been reappointed to their positions: ricegrower Les Gordon, mixed farmer and grazier Peter Tuohey, beef producer Grant Maudsley, mixed farmer and grazier David Jochinke, and beef producer Mark Horan.
