VICTORIAN farmers will have to cough up at least $500 each to join the state's peak rural lobby group from New Year's Day.
The Victorian Farmers Federation board endorsed the increase this week in a bid to balance its books in the face of declining membership and the global financial crisis.
VFF president Andrew Broad said the new minimum subscription was now closer to that charged by other professional organisations such as the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Australian Medical Association.
"While minimum subscription increases will technically only apply to commodities funded by annual subscriptions, Associate Member subscription rates will also rise," Mr Broad said.
He said existing dairy, grains and chicken meat levies would remain in place, however the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria is pushing to raise its members milk levy from 0.042 cents a litre to 0.06c/litre in by July next year.
Analysis of the VFF's 2008 financial records shows grains, dairy and livestock members are contributing far less than $500 in levies and subscriptions.
Based on 2008 levies and subscriptions, The Weekly Times estimates 3800 dairy farmers contribute an average of $325 each, 2800 livestock farmers contribute about $342 each and 1900 grain growers $240 each.
"I understand that for many members these changes will be a big ask," Mr Broad said.
"I don't ask farmers to put their hands in their pockets lightly. From my discussions with all sides of politics the need for a strong and robust rural sector is greater than at any other time for our organisation.
"Without the VFF the impact on all rural businesses would be severe."
The VFF has tried to cut its operating costs by $500,000 in the past six months and intends to make another $1 million in cuts next year.
The federation is also undergoing a raft of structural changes that will be presented to members at an extraordinary general meeting in February.
