A Murrami rice, sheep, and walnut farmer with an environmental law degree has been appointed Vice President of the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF).
Peter Herrmann was appointed at the NFF’s Annual General Meeting on Monday, 26 October. He was already an NFF Director and is a former president of the Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia.
Mr Herrmann runs a mixed farming operation at Murrami in NSW with his wife Katherine and their six sons. He has been involved in the rice industry for decades, and he holds a Bachelor of Laws with second-class honours (Division A) in Environmental Law from the Australian National University. He is known for his passion for improving land and water use to create abundance, and for better public policy outcomes.
“Peter’s rice farming qualifications, alongside his environmental law degree, mean he is a font of knowledge, especially in the realm of agricultural land and water use,” said NFF President Hamish McIntyre.
“I welcome Peter to this new role and acknowledge the valuable input he’s already made to the NFF through his time as Director.”
“I’m also looking forward to continuing to work with Dr Tracy Sullivan, who has retained her role as director,” he said.
Outgoing Vice President John Hassell was singled out for his service.
“I’d like to acknowledge the lengthy service that outgoing Vice President John Hassell has given to the ag industry,” Mr McIntyre said.
“His passion for farmers, especially those in the West, is undeniable.”
Four committee chairs are also finishing their terms: Malcolm Holm, Tony York, Angus Atkinson, and Bron Christensen. Four new chairs have been named. Ange Hutchinson will lead the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Committee, Perin Davey the Water Committee, John Lowe the Economic Policy and Farm Business Committee, and Stephanie Terry the Workforce Committee. Peter Thompson stays on as chair of the Telecommunications and Social Policy Committee, and Chris Groves stays on as chair of the Farming Systems Committee.
The new Vice President and committee chairs will take up their roles after the 47th NFF Members’ Council meeting on Friday, 30 October.
Mr Herrmann’s move to Vice President leaves a casual vacancy on the NFF Board. Directors will fill it at a later date, but no timeline has been given.
Mr McIntyre thanked the outgoing board and committee members for their service.
“I thank them all for their expertise and dedication to the NFF, and more broadly, to Australian agriculture,” he said.
Something going on in your part of the North Coast people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@nctimes.com.au