NEW Victorian Farmers’ Federation president Brett Hosking will bring his vision for the future of the state’s peak agricultural organisation to a community forum next month.
St Arnaud branch has organised the forum with assistance from Wedderburn branch president Graham Nesbit.
President of the St Arnaud branch, Colin Coates, said the forum would be addressed by Mr Hosking who was elected state leader last month on the platform of “getting back on track”.
“This meeting is not just for members, current or past. We want to engage the wider communities in our agricultural region,” Mr Coates said.
Mr Hosking, who farms between Boort and Quambatook, has already flagged talks with  the National Farmers’ Federation.
Former president Emma Germano last year said the VFF would withdraw from the national group and other peak commodity bodies.
“The peak bodies had a significant role in biosecurity and oversight of the research development corporations,” Mr Hosking has said.
“Negotiations with the Federal Government on things like trade policy are done by the peak bodies, so VFF needs to have a voice to advocate for our members properly.
Talks with national bodies on the future of VFF participation or membership would be in good faith, Mr Hosking said.