Anders Crofoot. PHOTO/FILE
BECKIE WILSON
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A Castlepoint farmer who has worked tirelessly from the grassroots level of the agriculture industry right to the national level, has been recognised for his efforts by Federated Farmers.
Castlepoint station owner and previous Federated Farmers national vice-president Anders Crofoot was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Federated Farmers Award in Wellington last week.
The award recognises a Federated Farmers member who has championed the needs of farmers in the agriculture industry and promoted the organisation.
Crofoot had been instrumental in many areas of the industry, including deciphering new policies impacting the sector.
He led efforts to get an exemption for farm buildings from the Earthquake-prone Buildings Amendment Bill which totalled $170m of savings for farmers, when assessments were likely to cost $3000 each.
He also secured extra funding for phase two of the Rural Broadband Initiative for rural properties.
As Castlepoint Fire Chief, he was involved in the newly-formed Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
He was heavily involved in discussions around improving National Animal Identification Tracing.
Crofoot said that while he had an “inkling” he was to receive an award last week, it was still an honour to be recognised.
He said it was great that Federated Farmers was recognising those who worked behind the scenes for the benefit of their communities.
Having members who “pour through agendas” and write submissions was one of the organisation’s strengths.
Crofoot had spent countless hours working on the Resource Management Act.
“It is a lot of work but it’s also very gratifying when you see a result,” he said.
Before he became involved with the organisation, he said he was already writing submissions to councils and going through legislation that had potential to impact his business.
While he is not on the national board, he will continue to help the “new blood” come through the Wairarapa branch.
“I’m not riding off into the sunset just yet,” he said.
Crofoot was chairman of the Fertiliser Quality Council, a member for the TbFree OSPRI stakeholder council and many other working groups.
He served on the Federated Farmers National board for six years, and was the Wairarapa Wellington provincial president for four years.
Crofoot and his wife, Emily, have owned and managed Castlepoint Station for the past 20 years, and have opened up the station to research projects which have had huge benefit to NZ farmers.
Wairarapa Federated Farmers president William Beetham said Crofoot had been an inspiration to him.
“His tireless work for the betterment of our rural communities has significantly benefited not only Wairarapa but communities across New Zealand, both rural and urban,” he said.
Federated Farmers national president Katie Milne said Crofoot had the ability to talk to people of all backgrounds and make information accessible to everyone.
He had shown tremendous skill in initiating successful mediation and dissecting the daunting Resource Management Act, she said.
