Lobbying & Representation
TFGA monitors potential changes to Government regulation that might affect farming operations and where necessary, lobbies to ensure that government policy is appropriate to the farming sector and any short-term benefits are not at the expense of the long-term viability of the Tasmanian farming industry.

Tasmania is also represented at a national level, via the TFGA representatives on the National Farmers' Federation, WoolProducers, Sheepmeat Council of Australia, Cattle Council of Australia, Grains Council of Australia, Australian Dairy Farmers and AusVeg to name a few. Accordingly, their outcomes are TFGA's outcomes, because without representatives and financial support from the State Farming Organisations, these national bodies would not exist.

The siege on the Tasmanian vegetable industry is one of the biggest battles TFGA has fought in many years.  The TFGA Fair Dinkum Food Campaign has proved to be very successful in assisting the plight of our members.  The Campaign has gained the support of politicians, other farming organisations, industry and consumers, as indicated by the images below.  TFGA will continue to work with farmers and other key stakeholders to ensure positive outcomes for our members.

Other major outcomes TFGA has achieved in the recent past at a State and National level have included:

The Implementation of a Mandatory Code of Practice for Exotic Sheep Breeds

State & Federal Governments agreement to form a tripartite taskforce with TFGA to address members concerns over the Tasmanian Community Forest Agreement
A strategic review of training and education needs in the Tasmanian agricultural and horticultural industries
The implementation of programs such as Working-in-Wool and Cropping-a-Career that are designed to get young people into agriculture
Meander Dam, Water Catchment Plans and Changes to the Water Management Act
Development of a Rural Industry Safety Advisory Group, which was successful in obtaining heavily subsided ATV training
A Dairy Industry Action Partnership Agreement with DairyTas and the State Government
A national industry task force to respond to actions by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and other animal rights groups
The Introduction of a Cat Control Bill into Parliament and the Implementation of a Feral Cat Management Policy
Free Trade Agreement with the USA
A commitment from the Federal Government to provide $20,000,000 to assist Australian cattle producers with NLIS

Discounted price for NLIS ear tags for Tasmanian producers

TFGA will continue to keep members informed of its successes, via this website, the media and the quarterly Primary Focus magazine.

TFGA's ability to be an effective lobbyist is closely linked with membership numbers. The higher the level of membership, the greater the credibility and influence TFGA has with government departments and political representatives. TFGA can only truly be the peak voice of Tasmanian farmers where its membership numbers support this assertion, so continued support from existing members is vital as are signings of new members.

Remember, members can take an active role in developing solutions to issues affecting Tasmanian farmers. If you are interested in becoming a commodity council representative, participating on committees or taskforces or establishing a Branch in your region, please give us a call on 1800 154 111.