Federated Farmers’ Bay of Plenty President Sets Objectives

Following Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty Annual General Meeting, new provincial president Rick Powdrell, has started to set out his objectives.

“John Scrimgeour has been a brilliant role model and I am glad he is staying on as my Vice-President,” says Rick Powdrell, Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty provincial president.

“Federated Farmers is dealing with a lot of issues in the Bay of Plenty.  We are fortunate to have great staff here in the Bay backed up by policy experts’ from right around the country.

“It is important to get farming moving after the drought. Last year there was a big dairy focus with changes to Fonterra and legislation, but this year it has to be the red meat sector.

“The challenges meat and fibre farmers face need to be seen as opportunities. Already, the Meat Industry Excellence group is working with Federated Farmers and others to kick start reform.

“Locally, Federated Farmers is in mediation with Transpower and we are hoping for a positive outcome on transmission buffer zones.

“With my reading and interest in infrastructure, it is pleasing to see the progress on the Tauranga Eastern Link.

“You cannot go past road and rail access to the major ports because getting product to market is the basis for our economy.  Given National President Bruce Wills is on the board of the World Farmers Organisation, Federated Farmers is also doing its bit for greater market access.  

“Another pressing issue for our members is TrustPower’s Matahina hydro-dam.  Federated Farmers was happy with the first outcome but we have big concerns about lowering the river still further. 

“We believe it may seriously impact farmers and recreational users alike.

“It is no secret that combatting rural crime is a passion of mine, having collared some rustlers last year.  The fact is rural crime, from rustling to equipment theft, is serious and farmers need to report it to the Police.

“In the western Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers proactively works with the Police and I aim to take this and spread it to the eastern Bay of Plenty as well,” Mr Powdrell concluded.

About Rick Powdrell (Bay of Plenty)

Rick is an executive member of Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre and farms sheep and beef on a 500ha property near Te Puke as well as grazing up to 600 dairy cattle. Married to Rose they have two adult children. Rick is the chairman of the Te Puke Veterinary Service, a Te Puke Economic Development Group Board member and sits on the BoP Freight Logistics Action Group. He is a past Kellogg Rural Leaders participant and represents Federated Farmers on the Agricultural Aviation Association.

ENDS

© Scoop Media