The Global Sheep Producers Forum (GSPF) members, including Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ), will meet in Toronto for the 4th annual Global Sheep Forum.
Other GSPF members include the American Lamb Board, British National Sheep Association, Canadian Sheep Federation, National Sheep Association, National Wool Growers’ Association of South Africa, and Sheep Producers Australia.
The aim of the GSPF is to provide a common voice for the global sheep community that reflects a collective vision of the future sustainability of the sector. The GSPF strives to foster global collaboration in order to develop evidenced and united positions and collective actions that address the shared challenges and opportunities facing those in the sheep industry irrespective of global boundaries.
“It is extremely important to connect with our international counterparts in order to have a united voice,” says George Tatham, B+LNZ’s Board Director who will attend the meeting.
“The GSPF brings together producers all around the world who share a passion for sheep farming. We want to provide a platform for farmers to connect, share knowledge, and learn from each other. We all care deeply about the sheep industry and want to position it as a profitable, sustainable, and enjoyable career for those looking to enter the industry.”
“We also want to demonstrate to the public that they can be confident that sheep products such as meat, wool, and milk are ethical and environmentally friendly choices.”
The Next Generation Global Sheep Forum is an important aspect of the GSPF and one of its purposes is to share information and support sheep farming around the world by connecting young farmers through an interview recorded as a podcast and hosted by AgWatchers. The first two podcasts were launched this month, with one featuring Nicholas Jolly, B+LNZ’s Senior Trade Policy Advisor.
Andrew Whitelaw from AgWatchers says its aim is to educate but also to entertain, to have engaging conversations with those involved in agriculture.
“By supporting the Next Generation Global Sheep Forum, we hope to learn from sheep producers worldwide, and in turn, our listeners will also gain knowledge and insights,” says Whitelaw.
Tatham says, “Looking to the future, we want to hear from New Zealand young farmers who would like to be involved with the GSPF so we can connect them with their international counterparts. The podcasts are just the beginning of how we will do this.”
New Zealand sheep farmers who want to get involved in the GSPF can contact Nicholas Jolly at Nicholas.Jolly@beeflmabnz.com.
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
For more information on the GSPF, visit the official website here.
For more information, please contact media@beeflambnz.com or Abigail Delaney at 027 209 9891.