North West Farmer has profiled VFF presidential candidate Danyel Cucinotta in the second part of our coverage of this year’s elections.
VICTORIAN Farmers’ Federation vice-president Danyel Cucinotta believes her four years in the role has equipped her with the experience and enthusiasm to take on the top job.
Ms Cucinotta said now is the time for growth, and that is what she has been focused on in her time with the VFF.
The agricultural landscape is shifting rapidly, and the VFF must continue to move forward, she said.
“With my time as vice-president, I know we can do this through professional advocacy, building strong relationships, and creating an environment of innovation and succession,” she said.
“My family, as a farming family, has relied on the VFF to assist us over the generations and I want to ensure the VFF stays just as relevant for future generations.
“In today’s fast-paced world, I believe advocacy must evolve to stay relevant. For me that means our members deserve an approach which leverages technology to create efficiencies and amplifies our voices in ways that truly resonate.
“Technology can streamline our communications, provide real-time data, and ultimately strengthen our influence.
“As VFF president I intend to use these tools to make the industry peak body a more agile, responsive advocate for all members.”
Ms Cucinotta strongly believes the agricultural industry, and the VFF’s futures lie in empowering young farmers and addressing key advocacy issues such as animal welfare and biosecurity.
Under her guidance, the VFF will also ensure its policies reflect a modern, dynamic sector, she said.
“Gone are the days of creating policy and advocacy through councils or resolutions,” Ms Cucinotta said.
“We need to be able to forward think and be trusted advisers to the government of the day as well as to our farmer members.
“I am a third-generation egg farmer and work alongside my sister.
“Farming, for me, is more than just a job. It’s in my blood. I now proudly raise my two young children on the farm, continuing the family tradition.”
As well as being VFF vice-president, Ms Cucinotta has also been on multiple groups within the organisation, including as chair of the Making Our Farms Safer Project, VFF Policy Council vice-chair, Disaster Relief Fund board member, Farming Systems chair, Farm Business chair, Workforce and Social Infrastructure committee member, VFF representative on the NFF Farming Systems committee and on the Egg Group Council.
She has also served with the Biosecurity Reference Group Victoria, Food Relief Taskforce Victoria and on the Melbourne Royal ELG committee.
“I am committed to moving forward and not looking behind as I believe the VFF stands at a pivotal moment in its history,” Ms Cucinotta said.
“The decisions we make today will define our future – we will either advance with bold vision or remain anchored in the past.
“The old methods simply don’t cut it in an era dominated by 24-hour news cycles, digital media, and the need to maintain our social licence. I see my success as chair of Farming Systems and Making Our Farms Safer, combined with my practical experience to drive results, equipping me to confront the major issues head on.
“My vision is clear: to build a VFF which looks forward, not back.
“And to do that we need proactive, adaptable, and inclusive leadership delivering tangible outcomes. From ensuring professional advocacy to planning for effective succession, I will fight to keep the VFF strong, relevant, and resilient. The time for bold decisions is now.”
