Thursday, 18 April 2013 09:12

Wills joins WFO board

Written by Pamela Tipa

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Federated Farmers President, Bruce Wills, has been appointed to the World Farmers Organisation Board as its Oceania representative. This assures New Zealand a key voice on the peak body representing farmer organisations from more than 50 countries.

"It has been a superb General-Assembly in Japan," says Wills, speaking from Niigata, Japan.

"Federated Farmers has helped to broker a breakthrough trade policy for the World Farmers Organisation. I need to acknowledge the high level policy work involving not only Federated Farmers' staff but kindred organisations too.

"May I genuinely thank Beef+LambNZ, the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their support and advice. The WFO trade policy not only vindicates their support but New Zealand now has a voice on governance, with Federated Farmers becoming the Oceania Board representative.

"I think it is important to recognise my WFO predecessor, Australia's Jock Laurie and the former President of Australia's National Farmers Federation. The General-Assembly has given me a great opportunity to meet the NFF's new president, Duncan Fraser as well as other global farming leaders.

"My hope is to use my board position to show case the excellent people resource we have in New Zealand that will help national and international farming to flourish," Wills says.

Featured

Feds claiming 'some real success' on policy front

Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.

Feds back Fast-Track Approval Bill

Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.

Lamb returns forecast to remain low

The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.

First harvest of table grapes - the 'king of fruit'

Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.

Machinery builder in liquidation

In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.

Two hemispheres tied together through cows

One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.

National

Free workshops to bolster farmer financial skills

Free workshops are being offered around the country to help farmers take more ownership of their farm business finances.

Ploughing Champs success

Sean Leslie and Casey Tilson from Middlemarch, with horses Beau and Dough, took out the Rural News Horse Plough award…

Farmers oppose work visa changes

Farmers are crying foul over changes announced by the Government this week to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme.

RWNZ chief executive to step down

Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) chief executive Gabrielle O’Brien will step down at the end of June.

Millers scoop Southland Ballance Farm Environment Awards

Financial and environmental stewardship has helped the Miller family of Roslyn Downs take out the Regional Supreme Award at the…

Machinery & Products

PM opens new Power Farming facility

Morrinsville based Power Farming Group has launched a flagship New Zealand facility in partnership with global construction manufacturer JCB Construction.