QFF
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) is the united voice of key state and national agriculture organisations that collectively represent more than 13,000 primary producers across the state.
“Blue Hill PR’s hands-on approach — combining real-world scenarios, simulated media interviews and clear strategic guidance on crisis communications management — has equipped farmers and agricultural industry representatives with the confidence and skills to communicate clearly and decisively with staff, authorities, neighbours, supply chain partners and the media during high-pressure, disruptive events.” - QFF
THE BRIEF
- Build the capacity of QFF members to manage communications in a crisis
- With QFF staff, write the Crisis Communications Training program
- Support QFF in delivering the program at workshops in key agricultural regions
THE STRATEGY
- To equip farmers and key agricultural representatives with the skills and confidence to manage communications with family, staff, neighbours, clients and suppliers, as well as the media, public officials and industry bodies before, during and when recovering from a crisis
- Face-to-face delivery of Crisis Communications Training at selected sites to provide hands-on skills development, including risk assessment, strategic response and public speaking, to ensure farmers and agricultural representatives can manage the disruption caused by a crisis on farm or along the supply chain
THE CONTENT
- Theory included strategies for proactively managing media and stakeholders, as demonstrated by real-life examples and hypothetical scenarios covering farm accidents and fatalities, trespass by activists, and biosecurity outbreaks
- Practical activities such as simulated radio and TV interviews, along with discussions and reviews, to ensure participants are resilient and ready to deal with media and other stakeholders during a crisis on-farm or in their community
THE IMPACT
- Boosted resilience of QFF members in dealing with crises on farm or in their communities
- Crisis Communications Training program assets that can be delivered anytime, anywhere and modified to ensure ongoing risk preparedness in agricultural industries
- Recognition of QFF and their peak body members as key advocates for farmers in equipping them to deal with unplanned, disruptive events
