Farmers & veterinarians formalise long-standing partnership

REAFFIRMING the close working relationship between farmers and veterinarians, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) today welcomes the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) as its newest associate member. Since launching its new membership structure on 1 July 2009, instituting and throwing open the Associate Member category, NFF membership has increased by 41%. “Sound animal health and wellbeing is a cornerstone of farm production,” NFF President David Crombie said. “People understand that farmers are heavily invested in ensuring the highest standards of care for their animals as a fundamental truism of farm life. “What many people may not readily realise is the degree to which farmers and veterinarians work together… through all kinds of weather and at all times of the day to ensure our farm animals are healthy and have the best possible veterinary care. “Vets are also at the forefront of ensuring Australia’s shores remain pest and disease-free. Biosecurity is essential to maintaining such highly-prized standards and an invaluable marketing position in terms of world markets. “There is broad and entrenched support for farmers using the best available science and humane standards of care in managing livestock. Again, Australian vets are pivotal in our ability to deliver against those expectations. “We look forward to the AVA being an important contributor to NFF policy development, providing unique and valuable insight into modern farm issues.” AVA President Dr Mark Lawrie sees becoming an NFF associate member as an important move, recognising the common interests of Australian farmers and veterinarians. “We want the same things for our nation – healthy well cared for livestock with a reliable and consistent supply of safe food,” he said. “We look forward to continuing to work with our farmers and rural communities to make a vital contribution to the wellbeing of the rest of the world through exports of high quality farm produce. “We’re looking forward to working with the NFF to help maintain high biosecurity, animal welfare and farm production standards. We aim to work together for long term solutions through research, development and service provision to our nation’s animals. This is what Australians want and this is what the world needs.” Under the new NFF model full Associate Members are limited to a combined vote of no more than 40%. Information on the NFF membership structure is available from the NFF’s http://www.nff.org.au/farm-organisations.html[Membership Proposal]. For more information on the AWA visit the http://www.ava.com.au[AVA website]. [ENDS]