Background
As one of the nation's leading sector organisations, Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc) represents approximately 18,750 member farming and rural families throughout New Zealand.

A network of 24 provinces with associated area networks or branches provides a locally based, democratic organisation that gives farmers a collective voice nationally and in each region.

The Federation also maintains nine industry groups, representing the specific interests of meat and fibre, dairy and mohair producers, high country and grain farmers and the Young Farmers Club. Ten other organisations, representing specialist producer groups or other rural interests, are also affiliated to Federated Farmers.

The Federation is a member of the Life Sciences Network and the Trade Liberilisation Network. It is also affiliated to the International Federation of Agricultural Producers, a world-wide group of farm sector organisations.

The Federation is governed by its National Conference, a smaller National Council, which meets annually, and a National Board which meets regularly.

The National Board (7) comprises an elected President, Vice-Presidents, two members at large and 3 industry group chairs elected from our nine industry groups..

A Wellington office provides policy development, advocacy, lobbying and legal services. Amongst those employed are a Chief Executive, policy managers representing the producer sections, public affairs manager, legal adviser, and administration staff.

Administration and Membership Services are centralised in Hamilton, and a nation-wide team of Field Representatives carries out a member visit programme. Besides Wellington and Hamilton FFNZ also has nine other offices

The Federation publishes a fortnightly newspaper Straight Furrow distributed to all rural mail box-holders and subscribers.

The mission of Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc) is to:

Add value to the business of farming for our members

We aim to:

• Optimise the farming business operating environment
  
• Promote the enhancement of a rural infrastructure which meets the needs of the rural community
  
• Promote responsible farm management and environmental practices;
  
• Provide quality services to our members
  
• Efficiently and effectively manage our business

Visit Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc) at www.fedfarm.org.nz

BIOGRAPHY
Thomas Lambie

Date of Birth: 16 October 1959

Education: B.Agr.Com. Lincoln University, 1980.
Kellogg Rural Leadership Scholar, 1995.

Farming: 'Spencerfield' 308-hectare market milk dairy farm at Pleasant Point, South Canterbury milking 650 dairy cows. Of which 130 dairy cows are autumn calving to maintain a minimum daily milk quota of 2200 litres with the balance spring calving. The property has been fully Bio-Gro certified organic since 1991.

Federated Farmers:
2002 - President
1996- 2002 Vice President
1994-1996 South Canterbury Provincial President
1992-1994 South Canterbury Provincial Vice-President
1987-1990 South Canterbury Dairy Section Chairman

Commerce:
1996- Opuha Dam Operations Committee
1996-1998 Director - Aoraki Business Development Board
1995- Director - South Canterbury Farmers Irrigation Society
1992-1997 Director - Only Organic (Christchurch)
1987-1997 Director - Timaru Milk Company