28 March 2011
To the ODPG members of 2010/11
Last Thursday was a very full day involving a farm visit and discussion at the Bulls farm of Tom Walker. This was followed by a talk by Graham Sait on sustainable agriculture, how it relates to us as individuals and how it involves all of mankind. Very sobering and thought provoking. Thanks to John Vosper for organizing this and also to the 25 or so attending.
Following Graham’s lecture, we held this year’s ODPG Annual General Meeting. The minutes, Chairman’s report and financial report will be posted on the website (www.organicpastoral.co.nz) in due course. With the large numbers attending and an overrun on time with the lecture, the Executive continued discussion after the close of the formal part of the AGM. This discussion covered the direction for the ODPG in the future and the way ahead.
Using current informal feedback and the questionnaire responses sent out 3 years ago as a guide we have outlined some directions and possibilities which we need to discuss further with the wider group.
Firstly, some facts
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membership was 177 last year
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members are spread throughout NZ with approx. 25% in the South Island.
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Over 50% are certified farmers, with 65% being dairy farmers, and 35% grazing, sheep and/or beef.
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ODPG is a charitable trust governed by a constitution.
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the constitution allows for a broad range of activities according to the needs of the membership.
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Southern Organics and Canterbury Organic Growers are affiliated to us.
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We have a representative on the OANZ (Organic Aotearoa New Zealand) Council, which meets regularly.
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Apart from travel and very few other expenses, the group is run by volunteers.
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Financial support is given to OANZ.
Secondly, some assumptions
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With the annual field day guest speaker and AGM continuing to move around the country, attendance will continue to be small and predominantly local.
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There is consensus for publishing a membership list confidential to all members who wish to be on the list.
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The core activity has been, and will continue to be, ‘farmers supporting farmers’. This is still highly valued by members.
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The email discussion group is the most efficient way of being in touch.
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Opinion is equally divided on how benign or ‘political’ the contributions should be, but negative opinions that can be seen as personal are counterproductive and unwanted.
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Everyone likes to know what is going on in organic farming circles, even though every member doesn’t contribute on the email discussion group
Thirdly, proposals put forward
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To have our activities at a core level until new members come forward to fill the executive positions.
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Scale down membership fees to reflect reduced activities, but keep encouraging new members.
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Pay a person to update the ODPG website.
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Regional presentations of the funded research to be delivered over the next two years.
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ODPG presence alongside OANZ at the next Mystery Creek Fielddays.
There will be a mail out with membership forms, an invoice, and a questionnaire which we encourage everyone who wishes to be part of the group to fill out.
Remember, if you are reading this it is YOUR group, for the benefit of you, those around you and your farm.
We, the Executive, welcome feedback and suggestions over the phone.
Sincerely,
John Vosper
John.Vosper@dairynz.co.nz
078884139
Mark W Pike
m.j.pike@xtra.co.nz
078884120
Kathy Bentham
Bentham.d.k@xtra.co.nz
078846815
Janet Fleming
janetandstephen@onitaw.co.nz
067618866
Brian Clearwater
clearwaterorganicdairy@farmside.nz
036963553
