Registrations have opened for the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association’s annual policy forum in Launceston in July at which farmers will access some of the brightest minds in the communications field.
Agriculture has been Tasmania’s traditional and dependable economic strength, together with forestry, mining and fishing. Yet, in this new, enlightened age in which we defend the right of all to have an opinion and to express it, they are the industries that are often most under attack. That is somewhat perverse.
The TFGA believes that, when all else may be in disarray, agriculture represents Tasmania’s long-term future because it makes so much sense. We have the best climate in the nation, the most rainfall run-off, our irrigation infrastructure improves month by month, we have the best farmers and we have a positive reputation.
Our reputation is something we have to nurture and protect. What we have to build is public trust in what we do.
That is the theme of this year’s TFGA Policy Forum at Country Club Tasmania in Launceston on July 11-12.
We have gathered together some of the brightest minds available in the field of marketing and communications to help us develop and build trust with our community, with our potential supporters and with our markets. This is a prime task in the year ahead.
The speakers include:
• Charlie Arnot, chief executive of the US Center for Food Integrity, a non-profit organisation dedicated to building consumer trust and confidence in today’s food systems
• Jeanine Sciacca is an associate director responsible for business development in the retail industry sector of Pacific Nielsen
• Matt Levey is head of head of campaigns for the consumer association, Choice
• Tim Longhurst, a “trendspotter and futurist”
• Matt Linnegar, chief executive of the National Farmers’ Federation
It is a truism in communications and public relations that your best advocates are third parties, those without a vested interest in your business, those not paid to spruik your virtues. Therefore, we need these people on our side. They will continue to support us if they have a real understanding of all aspects of farming and producing food. Let’s face it, there is no more basic or vital industry than producing food for the world.
Another fabulous component to our Policy Forum is Poken! What is Poken you say? It’s an electronic brief case for collecting and sharing information. Every delegate will have an online profile and a little gadget called a Poken. You can use your Poken to exchange business cards with others and to collect information on presenters and paperless brochures from our trade stands. Further information will be emailed to all delegates very soon or take a look at our website for more info!
The conference will be followed by a dinner with well-known Tasmanian group, The Wolfe Brothers, providing the entertainment. There will also be a field trip to the north west coast the next day (we are heading to the Distillery!!).
Click here ( http://www.tfga.com.au/in-the-news/events/ ) for more information regarding the event and to register (also find registration brochure attached).
Please feel more than welcome to give me a call anytime regarding this fabulous event! We are extremely proud to put this event together for you and we hope to see you there!!
TFGA
