About the Oyster Farmers Association
of NSW Ltd

The Oyster Farmers Association of NSW Ltd (OFA) is the trade association representing all the leading oyster farmers and oyster processors in NSW, Australia, a $30 million industry at farm gate, producing 60% of the nation's oysters.

The purpose of the OFA is to support the interests of its Members by:

• providing a forum where Members can exchange views, formulate policy on a variety of subjects including research, management and legislation, training, health and safety issues.
• representing the views and objectives of the industry to relevant government, national and international organisations
• promoting the consumption of oysters
• developing and maintaining effective communication with the public, health and education professionals and the media

Background

The OFA originated around 1928 in response to a need for an organisation to deal with issues relating to the emerging large scale oyster farming industry in NSW, Australia. The OFA has approximately 200 member companies.

Oyster farmers supply oyster processors, who open (shuck) the oysters for fresh daily supply to retail outlets such as restaurants, fish shops and direct to the general public. A number of oyster farmers also process oysters.

The OFA is the leading organisation representing the interests of oyster farmers and processors in NSW and has prospered by continuing to provide stability, professional representation and leadership for the industry. As an indicator of its long history, in 2000 the Association will host its' 72nd Annual Luncheon.

Goals

The goals of the Association are to undertake activities which will enhance the commercial interests of NSW oyster farmers. In particular the Association aims to:

• promote a stable and secure business climate for its members,
• encourage employment and investment in the industry,
• encourage innovation and research into the farming, marketing and quality of oysters,
• encourage the development of "world class" technology, industry best practice, public health standards and environmental programs.

See the principal corporate objectives of the OFA.

Activities

The OFA undertakes many activities:

• representing oyster farmers with their individual problems
• providing a forum for information exchange among growers
• disseminating information to oyster farmers and the public
• consulting with growers with regular meetings
• developing policies on a wide range of issues after thorough consultation
• representing the oyster industry on 'peak' industry committees
• responding to government initiatives and proposed legislation
• campaigning on issues
• promoting NSW oysters, and preparing promotional material
• providing insurance and other merchandising activities to members
• assisting with legal matters affecting members
• addressing environmental issues through membership of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW
• addressing industrial issues through membership of the Employers' Federation of NSW
• directly funding research and marketing studies

2000 activity list of the Oyster Farmers Association.

2000 President's report.

Structure

The OFA is a registered limited liability company, with all members' liability being restricted to $10. The Association maintains a permanent office in Sydney, run by an Office Manager, who services the needs of the Association and its members. The Association employs expert consultants as needed.

Members are formed into Branches which service the specific needs of oyster farmers in particular geographic areas. The OFA has forums in 13 Branches along the NSW coast.

Affiliations

The OFA represents the NSW oyster industry on the NSW Fishing Industry Council Inc. the peak fishing industry representative body in NSW. In turn that Council represents all sectors of the NSW fishing industry on the Australian Seafood Industry Council in Canberra.

Delegates from the OFA represent members on numerous industry committees, namely:

• NSW Oyster Management Advisory Committee
• NSW Oyster Research Advisory Committee
• NSW Shellfish Quality Assurance Advisory Committee
• NSW Biotoxin Committee
• NSW Seafood Industry Council
• NSW Fishing Industry Training Council Ltd.
• NSW Fishing Industry Research Advisory Committee
• AQIS Fishing Industry Advisory Committee
• Australian Shellfish Sanitation Advisory Committee.

Achievements

The OFA has a proud record of achievement in representing the interests of members. In particular, the Association has:

• successfully represented its members in a wide variety of Government and non-Government forums
• achieved the abolition of sales tax on all farm inputs (except for motor vehicles) ,
• achieved exemptions from Land Tax,
• prevented the introduction of MSB charges of about $200 per punt per annum,
• had TBT anti-fouling paint prohibited in NSW,
• achieved the abolition of Local Government Rates on oyster leases,
• negotiated regular oyster price rises for all oyster farmers,
• secured oyster farmers' eligibility for the Rural Adjustment Scheme,
• negotiated new industrial Awards for oyster farmers' employees,
• negotiated the introduction of the new Fisheries Management Act 1994 and its Regulations, and new Commonwealth Health Regulations,
• negotiated the introduction of the NSW Shellfish Quality Assurance Program,
• negotiated the formation of the NSW Oyster Research Advisory Committee and the current research funding and administrative arrangements,
• undertaken promotional events such as the Guinness & Oyster Festival, stands at Agview and other State and Regional events including luncheons and dinners, and organised industry field days,
• represented the industry in legal actions, especially on health related matters,
• provided merchandising activities such as insurance, and discounts on farm inputs.

Influence

Because the OFA is represented on the 'peak' industry Councils and Committees in NSW and nationally, it allows the opportunity for the Association to have effective and constructive input into a wide range of policy making processes.

The Association is respected by the business community, politicians and bureaucrats for its' capacity to achieve results based on sound policies and professional and efficient representation of its' members. The Association has a proven track record of constructively and successfully working with all Governments whether at Commonwealth, State or Local Government levels, as well as with other key industry, business and environmental groups.

Forum

Communication with members is maintained by the Association through regular Branch and Executive meetings, and General meetings. Members receive regular Newsletters from the Association plus a comprehensive Annual Report each year. Correspondence booklets comprising all inward and outward correspondence, are forwarded to all Branches.

Membership

Ordinary Membership of the Association is open to all oyster farmers who own or have owned oyster leases, and who farm or have farmed those leases for commercial production. In addition, oyster processors who process oysters can join the Processors Branch of the Association.

The Association also has Associate Members, and this category is available to those interested in joining the Association, but who do not meet the qualifications for Ordinary Membership. Associates do not have voting rights.

All Ordinary Members have an equal vote at General and Branch meetings. All members are welcome, and in fact encouraged, to attend Executive Council meetings in Sydney.

To obtain Membership details, please email the Office Manager.

You should know...

Oyster farmers and processors must be united to protect and promote their commercial interests. The OFA has a long history of professional and effective representation of our members.

The OFA achieves results.

The development of workable policies has made the OFA the leading organisation in NSW to represent oyster farmers.

The OFA promotes constructive change.

The OFA is a highly proactive organisation, critical to modern rapidly changing economic, environmental and marketing climates.

The Future

The OFA is actively fostering the development of an ongoing Strategic Plan for the NSW oyster industry. This will provide certainty and stability for future policy direction, and for investment and employment in the industry.

The future of the NSW oyster industry is highly dependent on the successful implementation of the NSW Shellfish Quality Assurance Program. To meet this goal, the OFA will take all steps necessary to ensure this professionally based Program operates effectively.

The OFA will continue to develop and support research projects into issues affecting the oyster industry. It also supports commercially based marketing reforms and generic promotion of NSW oysters, so as to increase demand and profitability.

Members are continually experimenting with new farming techniques and the OFA will continue to promote these developments.