Last week, we began a conversation with members and industry about an issue of major importance to AgForce and to the wider agriculture industry.
The question is whether AgForce should take on cane as a fourth commodity, about whether the additional benefit this may provide to our members and industry is sufficient to contemplate a change to an organisation that has successfully represented three commodities for over 20 years.
This follows a request from Burdekin-based Invicta Combined Growers Organisation for us to consider allowing their members to join AgForce.
One thing I am getting excellent feedback on almost unanimously is the open, transparent and unassuming approach we have taken to the approach from ICGO.
The fact that we do not have a pre-determined view but are prepared to have what at times can be a challenging conversation is respected by most.
No doubt there will be a range of opinions expressed with the passion, vigour, and honesty that primary producers always bring to discussions of significance.
The dialogue has only just begun - and we are a long way from arriving at an answer - but I am proud to say that our members are already participating in a constructive way.
I am already having one-one-one conversations with members - some who support the proposal, some who don't - and I know our elected members are doing the same.
I encourage members to call us with their thoughts.
We are putting in place measures to ensure the entire AgForce 'family' can have their say. The objective is facilitating open, two-way discussion.
This includes non-members - other producers and communities who have an interest in the discussion.
Feel free to get online and share your thoughts, even ask questions, on our Facebook page.
AgForce's belief in starting a conversation is that this issue offers a chance to potentially bring the broader agriculture industry closer together.
Only time will tell, but unless we engage in the discussion in an open, constructive way, we will never know.
