The organisation represents its members in lobbying state and federal government on policy matters that affect farmers and regional communities.
[7][8] By 1870 there was no Victoria-wide farming group,[9] and the National Agricultural Society of Victoria was founded in that year to represent farmers' interests.
In 1926, a large number of Mallee wheat farmer VFU branches broke away from this body to become the Primary Producer's Union, (with some additional support in other parts of the state).
The main concern at that time was the strength of the Amalgamated Shearers Union and it became apparent that pastoralists had to unite as a counter measure.
During the 1980s, the introduction of wide combs for shearing caused enormous unrest in the pastoral industry as did the so-called 'Mudginberri dispute' which became a landmark in terms of challenging the labour efficiency in abattoirs.
This display of unity and determination established a firm base from which to lobby both state and federal governments and helped bridge the gap between city and country people.
[citation needed] Landcare was created in 1986 and grew from groups of Victorian farmers coming together to tackle natural resource management issues on a district and regional basis.
The Victorian Farmers Federation Industrial Association (VFFIA) is a registered organisation under the Fair Work Act and represents members of the VFF in employment matters.
[15] Since its foundation the headquarters of the VFF has been located at 24-28 Collins Street, Melbourne, in close proximity to Victoria's Parliament House and other government offices.
In 1951 the VWWA resolved to name the building 'Farrer House' in honour of the pioneering Australian agronomist and plant breeder William Farrer.