Presidents Report Oct 2011

The first four months of my tenure as the President for the Agribusiness Association of Australia has whizzed by. I have yet to get to Victoria, but a trip to attend one of their events is high on my agenda. During the past four months, many successful events have occurred in all the states. In addition, a well attended event was held for the first time in Western Australia. We are keen to have more events in WA in the coming year, with negotiations already in progress. Your Board members are working diligently to prepare an exciting speaking lineup for 2012.

Christmas events in various states will culminate our organization’s 2011 year. Especially relevant is the December 8^th event in Adelaide where John Crosby will be honored as a Life Member. John has given of his time and knowledge to move this organization forward. We thank him for his tireless energy to advance agriculture.  

Our organization now has a monthly column in the Stock and Land newspaper in Victoria. We hope to progress to newspapers in other states in the New Year.

I reflect on the proportion of members to non-members that attend our functions. Having non-members attend events and find those rewarding is excellent. We continue to work the next step to have these people to join the association and give us the needed mass to attract more sponsors. In doing so, our organization can provide additional services to our members. I value people’s insight on how to attract people to join.

Agriculture is a vibrant industry. Highly controversial issues such as the Carbon Tax, animal welfare, food security, volatile food prices, all forms of resource management, and other topics are currently in the press. The Agribusiness Association of Australia is cognizant of the need to present the facts and the complete picture of these issues to our members. Through our speakers and without taking sides, we will present all viewpoints of these highly controversial issues. Only by knowing the complete factual picture, we as business leaders in agriculture can move to a better future.  

01/11/2011

Dr Theresa Craig

President

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