The Land - Regional Events in a Stronger Position As Powerhouses Join Force

The Land, 11 December 2024

Two powerhouses of regional events have come together in a move to maximise potential benefits for both as the Association of Agricultural Field Days of Australasia (AAFDA) has joined the Agricultural Shows Australia (ASA) as an affiliate member.

While there will be a lot of logistical crossover between both parties, the combined strength when it comes to advocacy is also seen as a major benefit.

The idea of working together was originally considered when Covid-19 hit Australia when David Littleproud, the Minister for Agriculture at the time, and his department put together a support policy after all field days and shows were shut down.

The policy combined field days and shows as both are regional events of agricultural significance and while there’s considerable points of difference between the two, the mutual benefits were there.

“Field days engage with over 10,000 businesses and suppliers in a trade environment, generating an estimated $2 billion worth of sales per annum in Australia and New Zealand,” AAFDA chairman Bruce Wright said.

“Field days provide an economic impact estimated at around $100 million to regional locations and attract over 1 million visitors per annum.

“There’s no field days in capital cities, so those numbers are based on regional population.

“So there is a real benefit to regional communities.”

Read full article – click here