General News
10 December, 2024
Wimmera Machinery Field Days responds to farmers about mining sponsorship
WMFD bows to pressure from farmers over mining sponsorship.
As plans get underway for the next Wimmera Machinery Field Days in 2025, the committee has decided not to accept or pursue sponsorship from mining or energy companies after being criticised for doing so in previous years.
A WMFD spokesperson said the committee made the decision following feedback from community members.
"In recent months, the field days have come under scrutiny for its association with mining and energy companies," the spokesperson said.
"The local Victorian Farmers Federation branch contacted us, and we have had discussions with them regarding the impact of potential mining and energy-related developments in the region.
"In light of these discussions, the WMFD committee decided not to accept or pursue sponsorship from these companies for the 2025 field days."
Farming community members expressed their concerns to WMFD committee members about WIM Resource PL's major sponsorship of the 2024 event during its 60th anniversary.
They questioned its compatibility with the field day's core values of 'by farmers, for farmers.'
WIM Resource PL's flagship project, the proposed Avonbank Mineral Sand Mine at Dooen, near Horsham, has been opposed by numerous farmers who say agriculture should be protected from mining and mining companies do not align with the core values that underpin agricultural field days.
Farmer and VFF Wimmera Branch member Russell Heard said he was happy to learn of the WMFD's decision.
"My family has had a long association with the field days, and I am pleased to hear of the committee's decision," he said.
The committee spokesperson said mining or energy companies would not be prevented from exhibiting at the field days, and just like every other exhibitor, they would have the opportunity to purchase advertising in the official program.
"The field days exist to inform farmers about technologies, services and issues that affect their business, so it is appropriate we do not prevent these companies from having a presence at our event," the spokesperson said.
"As we are a platform for information dissemination, it is important for these companies to have the opportunity to impart the correct information to interested parties."
The committee said the field days showcased the latest developments in farming practice, machinery, equipment, technology and services and provided a unique forum for people to gather and discuss farm technology developments, create networks, socialise, rekindle friendships and business relationships and stay in touch with industry advances.
"The WMFD is an important not-for-profit event on the rural calendar for farmers, exhibitors and the community," the spokesperson said.
"The field days committee places very high importance on being a nonpolitical, independent platform for exhibitors to disseminate information to the general public and farming community and has maintained a long-term charter to foster innovation and growth in primary production and agribusiness."
The field days committee requested that community members direct their concerns to the committee in writing and asked them to respect the event, the staff, and the committee.
The WMFD is held annually during the first week of March and has has grown into one of country Australia's largest agricultural and agribusiness trade shows.