A NEW Wimmera-led farmer co-operative aims to boost social and economic prosperity in rural communities.
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Farm Trade Australia formed at a meeting in Rupanyup last week with growers from across the region.
Spokesman David Matthews said the group wanted to better leverage farmers’ positions as primary producers by aggregating activities and skills, to ultimately improve prosperity and help attract new investment into rural areas.
“Farmers often feel they have no power, yet they actually command a unique position in the supply chain,” he said.
“They create the food and fibre and decide the inputs required for this process.
“Other participants in the supply chain are dependent on the decision a farmer makes.
“But farmers don't necessarily have the skills and knowledge to leverage that position.
“In isolation a farmer cannot utilise this advantage; collectively they can.”
Mr Matthews said aggregation was one of four pillars of the group, along with supply chain integration, adjacent markets, and skills and knowledge.
“By aggregating our activity we can attract a different scale of investment,” he said.
“I went on a trade trip a few years ago to the Middle East, where companies are wanting 5000 lambs a month.
“One farmer can’t do that alone, but if we work together we might be able to supply a market like that.
“We could also potentially work in with other projects
“We want to start to work more closely with the consumer end of the market and help drive investment back into the region.
“Supply chain integration is about markets and how we work in co-operation with consumers.
“Adjacent markets is about having some other forms of revenue, such as renewable energy.
“For example, can we get to a point where every farm has 100 hectares of solar panels, so that becomes a revenue stream when it’s dry and crops aren’t making money?”
Mr Matthews said skills and knowledge investment was crucial for profitability as farmers navigated running increasingly complex businesses.
“Workplace health and safety is one area we could look at,” he said.
“One farm could not afford to employ a person specifically for workplace health and safety, but 20 farmers together could.”
Mr Matthews said contributing to economic growth within communities in a sustainable way meant Farm Trade Australia needed a strong commercial focus.
“We need to run a very good business. This in turn will lead to the investment discussions that can contribute to regional employment growth,” he said.
Mr Matthews said the group would officially launch in February next year.
“We hope Farm Trade Australia will eventually be a company owned by 1000 farmers,” he said.
“We want farmers who share our view and belief in collaboration to drive a better outcome for our businesses and communities.”
Mr Matthews said people could call him on 0427 855 344 for more information.