Science and innovation are key to the future of farming and water quality, says newly elected Federated Farmers president Dr William Rolleston.

'Given the overwhelming scientific consensus is that human activity, including agriculture, plays a significant role in climate change, science and innovation are key to the future of farming. Science and innovation are also key to the water quality sphere,” says William who was elected president at the federation's annual conference today.

'Federated Farmers is New Zealand's foremost rural advocate with a proud past and strong future. Our National Council knows that the President must represent the views of all members and Federated Farmers is a broad church. I endorse this principle. I believe we can learn from all form of farming systems, including organic practices, so long as these are underpinned by robust science,” he says.

William says he is looking forward to working with newly elected Industry Group chairs, Rick Powdrell from Bay of Plenty for Meat and Fibre and Andrew Hoggard from Manawatu-Rangtikei for Dairy. 'Both are exceptionally talented farmers with an outstanding grasp of industry issues.

'I am fortunate that our Grain & Seed Industry Group chairperson, Ian Mackenzie, is staying on the board for another year. Ian is widely respected even among the environmental lobby. His expertise and wise counsel will be welcome.”

Vice-President, Wairarapa's Anders Crofoot is the Federation's buildings spokesperson, and was part of the success Federated Farmers had in convincing Government to remove farm structures from its earthquake prone buildings bill.

'A $170 million saving for farmers is an auspicious start for my tenure and a tangible example of the value Federated Farmers delivers for its members and farming in general.

'I will draw on the myriad of skills that the West Coast's Katie Milne offers, especially on the high profile areas of rural security, employment and adverse events.

'As a Board Member at large, she is joined in that capacity by Mid-Canterbury's Chris Allen, who is fast developing expertise in water policy.”