Wed Sep 18 02:21:33 UTC 2024: ## Federated Farmers Celebrates 125 Years of Advocacy for New Zealand Farmers
**Wellington, New Zealand** – Federated Farmers, the influential agricultural advocacy organisation, is celebrating 125 years of representing the interests of farmers across New Zealand. Founded in 1899 by Thomas Portland Smith, the organisation has grown from humble beginnings to become a powerful voice for the dairy, meat, wool, and arable sectors.
“Since our founding, we’ve been a constant advocate for farmers and rural communities, providing a strong voice and fighting for fairness,” says Wayne Langford, current president of Federated Farmers.
The organization’s journey began in Kaitāia, where Smith recognized the need for a unified voice to address challenges faced by farmers, including market fluctuations, land management issues, and navigating government policies.
Early successes included the formation of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union in 1902 and the New Zealand Sheep Owners’ Federation in 1910. These two organizations merged in the post-World War II era to form Federated Farmers, uniting all sectors of the agricultural industry.
The organisation has played a pivotal role in shaping the agricultural landscape of New Zealand, achieving significant milestones over the years. This includes advocating for a fair share of export meat profits, promoting the establishment of the QEII National Trust, fighting against a proposed capital gains tax, and leading the charge to see He Waka Eke Noa and a methane target dropped.
Federated Farmers has also championed rural issues such as access to farmland, banking competition, and the interests of rural women through the formation of Rural Women NZ in 1925.
“We’re incredibly proud of our 125-year legacy of advocating for farmers,” says Langford. “We’re looking forward to the next 125 years and continuing our fight for a strong and prosperous agricultural sector in New Zealand.”
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