AgForce 25-Year Celebration

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, the Honourable Mark Furner MP; Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Mr Tony Perrett MP; General President of AgForce, Ms Georgie Somerset AM; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and any First Nations people with us this evening.

Graeme and I are delighted to join you here at Parliament House to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the establishment of AgForce, and to acknowledge the vision, passion, and sheer hard work that have shaped it into the influential organisation it is today.

In 1999, the founders of AgForce Queensland Farmers Limited had a clear mission: to be a united voice and a powerful advocate for the farmers and graziers who produce Queensland’s cattle, grain, cane, sheep and wool.

But from its inception, AgForce has always been much more than just a representative body; it has been a driving force for positive change and innovation, and has become a trusted and reliable source of professional services, training, communications, and advice for its five-and-a-half thousand or so passionate members.

And passion is important because the journey over the past quarter-century has not been without its challenges.

The production of food and fibre has faced numerous trials, from fluctuating market conditions to environmental uncertainties and policy shifts.

Yet, AgForce has consistently stood at the forefront, advocating for fair and effective policies, supporting members through difficult times, and working tirelessly to ensure that the voice of our State’s broadacre producers is heard by consumers, stakeholders, the corporate sector, industry, and governments at all levels.

One of the hallmarks of AgForce’s success has been its ability to adapt and evolve. In an industry marked by rapid technological advancements, shifting global dynamics, and increasing pressures to ensure food security, AgForce has proactively embraced change while remaining unwavering in its commitment to sustainability.

Key among its long-term commitments has been the protection of both land and water in order to ensure both a viable agriculture sector and a healthy environment.

The long and costly battle to protect the precious waters of the Great Artesian Basin is a shining example of the organisation’s determination in this regard.

The next chapter of the AgForce story is filled with opportunities, including events like the Queensland Agricultural Industry Conference in October, and I take this opportunity to wish you well for stimulating and productive discussion over those two days as you continue your commitment to ‘back the bush’.

Your passion, dedication, and resilience have been the driving force behind your achievements for the past 25 years; I am confident that those qualities, combined with optimism and determination, will continue to drive your efforts for the next 25 and beyond.

Happy 25^th Anniversary!