18 September 2012 TITLE:“Primary Producers – A New Voice” SPEAKER:Rob Kerin Consultant on re-structure of SAFF at South Australian Farmers Federation. Chairman and Executive Officer at Regional Development South Australia.

PRIMARY PRODUCERS S.A. Representing Primary Producers in South Australia on Cross Commodity Issues

Background to Change Fracturing of Primary Producer representation Number of bodies representing Commodity Groups and lack of co-ordination Falling Membership Numbers Problem in All States and Nationally Dissatisfaction politically with status quo Lack of one United Voice seen as representing all Primary Producers

Current Status Discussions between the Commodity Groups have been in good faith and there is a strong commitment to form a body which represents all Primary Producers. A working group has been formed to advance negotiations, address funding and sign M.O.U. to advance Primary ProducersS.A. More formal arrangements can be made if this meeting agrees on the way ahead.

Commodity Group Members S.A. Dairy Farmers Association Grain Producers S.A. Horticulture Coalition Wine Grape Growers Council S.A. Livestock Association (?Final Name) Intensive Farming

Commodity Group Roles There has been a strong message that autonomy for Commodity Groups is wanted. This model certainly delivers on that, with each of the Commodities to deal with their own issues. Some have taken this opportunity to reflect on the situation, and strong commodity organisations will provide a strong base.

Structure GrainGrape Live Stock Dairy Hortic ulture Intens. Farm Primary Producers Council

Made up of one Member from each commodity and Independent Chair. Executive Officers of each Commodity and CEO of Prim. Prod. S.A to sit in on Meetings. A Governance Sub-Committee preferred to having a Board. CEO answers to this Comm. Council to be the ultimate decision maker. Policy issues to be by concensus.

P. P. Council Sub-Committees Council to have a range of sub-committees Some permanent such as NRM & Transport. Some for limited time to deal with an Issue. Sub-Committees can consist of whoever the Council wishes. Some may be EO’s of the Commodity Organisations. Some sub-committees (e.g.Animal Welfare) will not affect all Commodities.

Funding Each Commodity organisation raises it’s own finances, some through levies. The Commodities committed to agree on formula for funding Primary Producers S.A. Commodities to fund sitting fees for their Rep on the P.P. Council. Primary Producers S.A. will seek significant Corporate support to help fund itself.

Staffing The P.P. Council would appoint the C.E.O. The CEO would employ other staff with the sign off of the Council. It is envisaged that Staff numbers be kept in the 4-5 range, building to this over 1-2 years. Sharing of Administration with some Commodity Groups is being discussed.

Levies There will be no specific levy to fund the new Organisation. Commodities have made good progress on the levy issue. Levies have received strong support as the most equitable way of funding strong representation.

Initial Aims The early meetings in this process identified 3 major issues. 1) A strong organisation representing all Primary Producers 2) Autonomy for Commodities 3) Adequate funding of representation, with a preference for levies. This model can cater for all the above.

Other Issues The need to continue to cater for I.R., Legal and other services provided by current SAFF has been acknowledged. Current branches can be catered for as either branches of Commodities or P.P.S.A. Effective feedback models will be a priority. Co-location of P.P.S.A. and some Commodities highly likely, with resource sharing.

Next Steps With AGM agreement, a new Constitution be prepared which fits the new model. Working group consisting of Commodity and SAFF reps work towards M.O.U. as priority, and finalising structure of P.P.S.A. Later meeting of SAFF considers new Constitution, and if adopted PPSA is established. Council meets and makes Foundation Decisions.