The dinner which was held at Wingham Golf Club was an open meeting and was attended by 65 people including members and concerned citizens from the community.

Fiona who lives on the Liverpool Plains is no stranger to the concern and conflict over food security and land use issues associated with mining.

She gave an in depth and informative 1.5 hour power point presentation plus question time.

Mid North Coast executive councillor and region secretary, Deborah Willis from Landsdowne described the presentation as fantastic and Fiona as a great representative.

Her main message from the association was to forge forward and to look towards the future when addressing issues affecting farmers. There is great need for farmers to be sustainable, but when food security is at risk farm-land and farmer’s way of life must be protected. She also asserted that the association is an inclusive group that represents all farmers everywhere.

In regards to coal seam mining, the association is concerned about the freedom and choice for farmers to say no and the security and legal ramifications regarding access agreements.

The Christmas dinner was a success with a potential 20 new members hoping to join in the New Year.