Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association president Wayne Johnston today was re-elected to his third term following the association’s annual general meting in Launceston.
The TFGA’s new board met at the Country Club in Launceston after the annual general meeting had ratified two new directors, Marcus McShane and Brian Stewart, to replace retiring directors Di Fowler and Brett Hall, who, respectively, had represented the wool and meat commodity councils on the board.
North-east dairyman Alan Davenport was re-elected vice-president.
Addressing the annual general meeting, Mr Johnston pointed to the importance of advocacy in the association’s role.
“I want to pay special tribute today to the men and women who serve on our councils and commodity groups. They have the volunteer spirit of Australians,” he said.
“That commitment is especially onerous on the committee and council chairs. They are doing exceptional work.
“The TFGA will continue to build its reputation for responsible advocacy, a reputation that has made it perhaps the most influential lobby group in the state. We will promote and defend the brand of the TFGA and Tasmanian farmers.”
The comment comes at a time when the TFGA board has resisted signing a memorandum of understanding with the industry’s peak body, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), which is trying to muster support for a single national farming identity.
Mr Johnston said the TFGA board had yet to be given an adequate explanation from the NFF on how the TFGA would fit into such an organisation without jeopardising the brand and profile it had so carefully built.
asmanian Farmers and Graziers Association president Wayne Johnston
