Champions lobby Travers

Farming Champions committee members met WA Opposition spokesman for Agriculture and Transport Ken Travers in Perth two weeks ago as part of a long-running strategy to engage politicians on agricultural issues.

Farming Champions spokeswoman Mary Nenke said the group was a bipartisan organisation seeking to connect with the city and grow awareness of the importance of our farmers.

"As part of growing that awareness, we are very keen to engage with politicians of all persuasions," she said.

Last year, some of the committee members met with the State Minister for Agriculture Ken Baston.

"This year we were delighted that Ken Travers accepted our invitation to join us, after a formal meeting, for dinner," Mrs Nenke said.

"I am pleased to report that Mr Travis was very open and interested and an important discussion ensued. We look forward to engaging with more politicians in the future and seeking their support in championing farming."

Committee members who attended the recent meeting were Mary Nenke, of Kukerin, Rose Crane, of Tammin, Vegetables WA president Maureen Dobra, of Gingin, Cathie Kelly, of Newdegate, Jane Mouritz, of Hyden, and journalist Cate Rocchi.

For the past two years, Farming Champions has organised a major event in Forrest Place in the City of Perth called Farmer on Your Plate.

Many high-profile supporters have attended the events and become Farming Champions, including the Governor of Western Australia Malcolm McCusker and his wife, Tonya, and Member for Eyre Dr Graham Jacobs, as well as Perth chefs Russell Blaikie and Don Hancey.

Mrs Nenke said the recent Perth meeting was "a fabulous way" to meet face-to-face with members of the committee.

"We are a diverse group of women separated by hundreds of kilometres and it was exciting — as well as very productive — to sit around the table and collaborate on actions to effectively champion farming and link the city with the people who grow the food on their plate," she said.

Membership options are now available for individuals, families and businesses.

The group is also seeking sponsorship to hold next year's Farmer on Your Plate on March 28.

Contact Mrs Nenke on 0414 953 674 if you want to make a pledge to be a member.