Want to have more say in FAR’s research priorities and activities? Get involved with your regional grower-led Arable Research Group (ARG). ARGs are a direct link between growers and FAR, providing feedback on regional issues, concerns and opportunities. Seven ARGs operate across the country, and right now they are all looking for new members.
ARG members are the voice of growers in their region, and with the recent launch of FAR's regional strategy, their voices are getting louder. Traditionally, ARGs have met with FAR staff three or four times a year to pass on information and consider ideas for new research projects. However, the regional strategy provides them with more influence.
FAR chief executive Alison Stewart says the goal of the regional strategy is quite simple...to make it easier for any grower, anywhere in New Zealand, to access relevant FAR research, events and information.
“With this in mind, we have appointed seven part-time, regionally-based, staff whose role is to work with ARGs to design and deliver a plan to meet the needs of growers in their region. Development of these regional plans is underway now, and they will be updated annually. ARG members also have a say on what new research projects FAR takes on. Each year they look through a range of proposals to sense check them for industry and regional relevance.”
What’s the process for joining an ARG?
In the past, ARG membership processes have been relatively informal, with places often filled via word of mouth. However, to ensure transparency, FAR has now established a more formal, annual, process involving official nominations and, where necessary, elections.
You can nominate yourself, or any other levy payer in your region, for ARG membership by completing a simple form (below) outlining the nominee’s name, address and contact details, along with a few words as to why that person would be a good ARG candidate for your region. If nominating anyone other than yourself, make sure you get their agreement first. Where more nominations are received than there are vacancies, levy payers in the region will be asked to vote in an online election.
You can stay on an ARG for up to four terms of three-years, and the nomination/election process will occur every year to ensure a constant mix of new and experienced members.
Nominations for this year’s process close on 30 April, and if required, voting will take place in May. Newly appointed members will take up their roles on July 1.
Nomination form - completed forms should be emailed to far@far.org.nz
ARG Region |
Vacancies |
Northern North Island |
2 |
South West North Island |
2 |
Eastern North Island |
2 |
Northern South Island |
4 |
Mid-Canterbury |
1 |
South Canterbury-North Otago |
3 |
South Otago-Southland |
4 |
Who's on your ARG right now?
You can find a complete list of current ARG members in the About Us section of this website or click here.