Federated Farmers of New Zealand

Federated Farmers of New Zealand is the leading national advocacy organisation representing the interests of farmers and the rural community across New Zealand. Formed in the post-war era, it operates as an umbrella federation for various commodity and provincial groups, engaging directly with the New Zealand Government on policy, regulation, and economic conditions affecting the primary sector. Its work encompasses lobbying, research, and providing advisory services to its members on issues ranging from biosecurity and climate change to trade and employment law.

History

The organisation was formally established in 1945 through the amalgamation of the New Zealand Farmers' Union and the New Zealand Sheepowners’ Federation, aiming to create a unified voice for the agricultural sector during a period of significant government control. Its formation was influenced by the economic policies of the First Labour Government of New Zealand and the challenges of post-World War II reconstruction. Key early figures included leaders from the Canterbury and Hawke's Bay farming communities who sought to influence the Ministry of Agriculture. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, it was a pivotal player in debates over agricultural subsidies, the Think Big projects, and the sweeping neoliberal reforms of the Fourth Labour Government of New Zealand led by David Lange and Roger Douglas.

Structure and governance

The federation is structured around a network of 24 provincial branches, such as those in Northland, Waikato, and Otago, and seven national commodity councils including Beef and Lamb, DairyNZ, and the New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association. Governance is led by a Board and a National President, with current leadership under Wayne Langford. Policy direction is set through an annual national conference, with delegates from provincial branches and commodity groups, and day-to-day operations are managed by a professional staff based in its Wellington headquarters. This structure is designed to funnel grassroots concerns from regions like Taranaki and Southland into national advocacy positions.

Policy and advocacy

The organisation's core function is to advocate for policies that support sustainable and profitable farming, engaging directly with entities like the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Ministry for Primary Industries, and Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. Key policy areas include water quality and allocation under the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management, emissions pricing related to the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme, and trade access through agreements like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. It regularly submits on legislation and provides evidence to select committees, influencing laws on resource management, workplace health and safety, and hazardous substances.

Key campaigns and issues

Notable campaigns have addressed the proposed livestock emissions levy, often termed the "burp tax", and opposition to significant freshwater reforms and indigenous biodiversity regulations. It has been actively involved in biosecurity responses to incursions like Mycoplasma bovis and the brown marmorated stink bug, and advocates for improved rural connectivity and infrastructure. The organisation also runs prominent public relations initiatives such as the Farm Day open farm event and engages in debates on Three Waters reforms and the use of 1080 poison for pest control, often collaborating with groups like Rural Women New Zealand and the New Zealand Forest Owners Association.

Affiliated organisations

Federated Farmers maintains close ties with a range of sector bodies, including the major levy-funded organisations DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand. It works alongside other advocacy groups such as Horticulture New Zealand and the Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand on access issues. The federation is also a member of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers and has relationships with research entities like AgResearch and Lincoln University, as well as training providers such as Primary ITO.

Category:Agricultural organizations based in New Zealand Category:Organizations based in Wellington Category:1945 establishments in New Zealand