Every Farmer Needs the VFF | Events in Your Area

Over the past 12 - 18 months the VFF has continued to lead the debate on many vital issues with government and within the media:

The VFF is standing up to the Government's proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme so that farmers will not be left to foot a multi-million dollar carbon tax bill.

Lobbied the Victorian Government to ensure a long term commitment to Victorian food production, the Future Farming Strategy, a $205 million programme including $103 million targeted at improving farm productivity, $11 million for addressing climate change and $3 million for skills development.

Obtained a $180 million commitment on Victoria's Rail Freight Network including a complete restoration of key gold and silver freight lines and a rehabilitation of selected bronze lines.

Lobbied for boosts to critical regional infrastructure, including $1.2 billion for better regional arterials, $240 million in a boost to maintenance funding for regional roads and significant funding for Auslink2 projects.

Lobbied the State and Federal Governments to continue drought support measures for Victorian farmers by extending EC declarations and announcing a new $115 million package of State based drought support.

Worked to ensure that the State and Federal Governments gave the green light to the Port Phillip Bay Channel Deepening project which will generate in excess of $2 billion for the Victorian economy over the next thirty years.

Continued to lead the debate on the National Plan for Water Security to protect the rights of Victorian irrigators.

Supported the applicants through legal proceedings in the Hahnheuser case to protect the $1.8 billion Live Export Trade, so that farmers can get on with the job without fear of environmental activists damaging their businesses.

Successfully lobbied the Victorian Government to introduce a $400 rebate for horticulturalists purchasing a Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS)

Worked with Agfarm to form the first Victorian grower-owned Grains Brokerage Alliance in Australia's newly deregulated wheat market.

Signed off on two significant documents with the Minerals Council of Australia regarding exploration and mining on Victorian private land to protect Victorian farmers in their dealings with the mining industry.
The VFF played a vital role in the lifting of the moratorium on GM canola and use of alternative weed management techniques in canola crops.

The VFF has negotiated a special price for NLIS cattle tags for Victoria's cattle producers. At $1.65 each, this represents a savings of $2.15 from the price paid interstate and saves the local industry an estimated $1.2 million yearly.

The VFF is taking the lead in lobbying the Government about the Fire Services Levy and Native Vegetation Regulation in the upcoming Royal Commission into the Victorian bushfires.

VFF Grains Group Crop Night - Ultima
Sponsored by Elders Insurance

Wednesday 12th August 2010
6:00pm (BBQ dinner will be available)

Ultima Football Club

For Further information, contact Akemi Pham-Vu on 03 9207 5536.

Heyfield Branch General Meeting

Thursday 13th August 2010
8:00pm

Bowls Club, Heyfield

Guest Speaker: Consultant from Rural Finance

For Further information, contact Branch President Ian Morris on 5148 9222 or Branch Secretary John Gell on 5148 0291.

Ararat / Tatyoon Branch Dinner Meeting

Friday 14th August 2010
7:30pm

Ararat RSL

Guest Speaker: VFF President - Andrew Broad

For Further information, contact Branch Secretary Charles De Fegely on 03 5352 3534.

VFF President Visits Gippsland

VFF Branches: Macalister, Heyfield, Stratford, Stradbroke, Traralgon and Traralgon Dairy

VFF President Andrew Broad will provide an overview on key VFF issues including farm rates, the Fire Service Levy and the Federal Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.

Tuesday 18th August 2010
12:00pm - 2:00pm

41 Princes Highway, Sale
Princeton Convention Centre

Bairnsdale Branch General Meeting

Tuesday 18th August 2010
6:00pm - for meals

7:00pm AGM commences
Venue to be confirmed

Guest Speaker: VFF President - Andrew Broad

For Further information, contact Branch President Darren Williams on 03 5157 1751 / 0448 718 607.

Laanecoorie Branch Dinner Meeting

Wednesday 19th August 2010
6:30pm - pre dinner drinks
7:00pm - dinner ($18 per person)

Ararat RSL

Guest Speaker: Kate Joseph President Sheep meat Council of Australia
Andrew Broad - VFF President will be attending.

RSVP by 14th August to Branch Secretary, Noreen Gill on 5435 3469 / noreengill@hotmail.com

Korwee DC Meeting

Wednesday 19th August 2010
Balmoral Hotel

(More details to come)

Cardinia Branch Dinner Meeting
Sponsored by Prime super

Friday 21st August 2010
6:30pm for 7:00pm start

Narnargoon Community Centre, Spencer Str Narnargoon

Meals - $35 per person
BYO drinks and Glasses

Guest Speaker: Denise Drysdale
RSVP by 14th August to Branch Secretary, Rosemary Osborne on 5998 8221.

VFF President Visits Phillip Island

VFF Branches: Bass Valley, Loch, Phillip Island and Wonthaggi

Andrew Broad will provide an overview on key VFF issues including farm rates, Growth Area Infrastructure Contribution, the Fire Service Levy and the Federal Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.

Saturday 22nd August
12:00pm - 2:00pm

The Continental Hotel Phillip Island
The Esplanade, Cowes

Wedderburn Branch General Meeting

Wednesday 26th August 2010
7:30pm

Wedderburn Tennis Club Rooms

Guest Speaker: Jeroen Van Veen - Representing Greenhouse Balanced - a purchaser in the voluntary carbon market, and Bush Heritage Australia-Interests include high value conservation land.
Discussions will include biodiversity credit options and CPRS and how they can work for the farm business.

For further information, contact Branch President Anthony Coombes on 54944226 or Branch Secretary Cameron Turnbull on 5494 3418

Lismore Branch General Meeting

Wednesday 26th August 2010
(More details to come)