Membership Base

Increasing the membership base

A driving force of the Association is to increase its membership base, with particular emphasis on younger members and student networks. Of these members, there is strong support to encourage more active participation from the grassroots level, and develop members’ capabilities to take on community, regional and industry leadership and representation positions.

The Young Farmers committee will achieve this through programs and activities which are seen as valuable for either personal, professional or business development, with particular emphasis on networking functions and young farmer advocacy.

A regional associate, in linkage with the Regional Service Manager, will have a key role to play in developing involvement and membership within each region.

Strategies

1. Segregate and expand a young farmer and agribusiness professional membership category within the Association, with membership services specified and targeted accordingly.
2. Establish regional leader positions which have direct accountability to the Young Farmers committee and Regional Service Manager who devises, supports and plans regional events which are relevant to members within their region.
3. Develop an information package to disseminate information regarding the benefits of joining as a young farmer and agribusiness professional member.
4. Develop linkages with key agricultural/agribusiness companies to promote membership to young members within their respective organisations.
5. Develop an annual operating plan following an annual general meeting which sets aside an action of events and activities which are seen as valuable and promote member growth and involvement.

This annual operating plan will be made available to members each year through electronic communication vehicles.