Farm Trade Australia open for memberships
Farm Trade Australia (FTA) is now open for memberships.
Farm Trade Australia is seeking farmers to work together to build and grow a farmer owned agribusiness with the aim of giving farmers greater influence in the food and fibre supply chains.
The underlying philosophy of Farm Trade Australia is to deliver a greater share of the returns from agricultural production back to farmers and rural communities. By working collaboratively, FTA believes the competitive position of farm businesses can be improved, whilst also attracting increased investment back into regional communities.
Farm Trade Australia was founded by David Matthews, a farmer from Rupanyup in Western Victoria. Mr Matthews is passionate about farming and a strong advocate for thriving rural communities.
“We farmers often say we have no power over what happens beyond the farm gate; that we are price takers, for both inputs and outputs to and from our businesses,” said Mr Matthews. “Yet the very nature of farming means that farmers have the first point of control in the supply chain. No one does anything until a farmer makes a decision, to either sell their produce, or buy an input.”
Mr Matthews says that what is currently missing is a framework for farmers to work together. “As individuals we have little power, but, collectively, our influence is immense.”
“If we don’t come together, farmers will continue to lose influence in many aspects of our businesses,” he emphasised. “But if we do join forces, to build a professionally managed, farmer owned agribusiness, then we can reassert our position in supply chains and return a greater value back to our businesses and local communities.”
“So that’s why we’re building Farm Trade Australia,” explained Mr Matthews. “It’s a company that will give farmers, and the communities in which they live, a greater share of the value they create. An Australian agribusiness owned by Australian farmers.”
Farmers are encouraged to apply for FTA membership by going to the website: farmtradeaustralia.com.au
Farm Trade Australia also has an associate membership available to non-farming businesses and organisations involved in agriculture.
For further information on Farm Trade Australia go to farmtradeaustralia.com.au