VFF calls for member support on minimum subscription changes

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has announced that changes will be made to the minimum annual member subscription fee from 1 January 2010 in line with the Board’s endorsement of a motion supported by members at the Federation’s Annual General Meeting in 2008.

VFF President Andrew Broad called on members to back the changes which are necessary to meet consumer price increases and balance the organisation’s budget.

“Since my election as President in June, considerable work has been undertaken to ensure the future of the VFF. Difficult decisions have been needed to secure our long term sustainability and close a $900,000 hole in our operating budget. This has included a restructuring of the organisation that will be put to members at an Extraordinary General Meeting in February next year,” Mr Broad said.

“At the VFF’s Annual General Meeting in 2008 members voted to increase the minimum annual member subscription to $500 plus GST. The Board has now approved this change which will be effective from 1 January 2010.”

“This will bring the VFF’s membership fees closer to the base subscription rate of other professional organisations such as the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Master Builders Association and the Australian Medical Association.”

“While minimum subscription increases will technically only apply to commodities funded by annual subscriptions, Associate Member subscription rates will also rise. The existing Dairy, Grains and Chicken Meat levy mechanisms will remain in place.”

“I understand that for many members these changes will be a big ask. I don’t ask farmers to put their hands in their pockets lightly. From my discussions with all sides of politics the need for a strong and robust rural sector is greater than at any other time for our organisation. Without a VFF the impact on all rural businesses would be severe.”

“The best example of the value and effectiveness of the VFF is the Federal Government’s decision to exclude agriculture from their Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.”

“Modelling by the Australian Farm Institute found that the CPRS would cost Australian farmers $2.4 billion annually by 2020, or $14,000 per farm, per year. The VFF’s role in successfully arguing against farmers’ inclusion in this massive tax has given every Victorian farmer at least $14,000 worth of reasons to join the VFF or retain their membership.”

“VFF membership is about working together to fight for the best outcomes for farmers. For the price of half a tonne of fertiliser, it’s the best investment Victorian farmers are ever likely to make,” Mr Broad concluded.