About TAFCO
TAFCO Rural Supplies Background |
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The Tobacco & Associated Farmers Co-operative Limited (TAFCO) is a farmers co-operative which was formed in 1987 by tobacco growers to operate as an agricultural merchandising co-operative to service tobacco growers and other primary producers. Being a co-operative profits are retained in local communities and equitably distributed amongst members. TAFCO has a broad horticultural base with a total membership in excess of 500 farmers many operating multi commodity farming enterprises. In excess of $600,000 $1.00 shares are held by the members of our co-operative. The continued investment into the co-operative by new and existing members has played a role in the opening of our store at 215 Myrtle Street Myrtleford in 1998. Turnover: To meet the main objective TAFCO entered into a Franchise Agreement with (then) Dalgety Farmers and began trading as Dalgety Farmers Myrtleford. The annual turnover at this time was approximately $600,000. On July 1st 1995 TAFCO became independent from Dalgety Farmers and commenced operating as TAFCO Rural Supplies. Our current turnover is in excess of $3,000,000 having peaked at $5,000,000 in 2006 prior to the demise of the Australian tobacco industry. Service to members As a co-operative, TAFCO is conscious of the need to service members - Commodity groups serviced by TAFCO include winegrape, vegetable, hops, mint, rubus, nut producers and pastoralists. TAFCO provides a delivery service throughout the region, saving farmers time and money by having a broad range of agricultural goods delivered to their farm. In response to changing agricultural needs of the region TAFCO has demonstrated commitment to developing new horticultural enterprises in the region. In addition to supporting the tobacco growing industryTAFCO has been pro-active in assisting the development of new horticultural industries:-
Future The role of TAFCO has developed into much more than an outlet for agricultural merchandise for farmers. Representation on various consultative committees is built into our unwritten business plan. Currently either staff or Directors of TAFCO are represented on:
The pro active approach by Directors of TAFCO has seen our business develop over the past 22 years and will see our business expand into the future at an optimum level. One example of the Directors pro active approach, is the introduction of observers to participate in Directors Meetings. Young farmers are invited to attend Directors Meetings and particpate in discussion regarding the business. Although observers have no voting rights, Directors beleive that this is 'training' and preparing young people in agribusiness to take on roles in the future whether it be TAFCO or other organisations.
TAFCO is fortunate to employ a small staff team of people, who work extremely well together to meet our members needs. We aim to provide members with a friendly and efficient service at competitive prices. STAFF PROFILES MANAGER: Tony VaccaroTony has been Manager of TAFCO since August 1989 and oversees all daily operation of the business and reports to the Board of Directors. Tony is responsible for implementing Board Policy, debtor and creditor control and reports on financial controls to the Board of Directors at each meeting. Tony has ensured that TAFCO excels in meeting industry standards and our store is GOLD Accredited by industry standards. Staff, are fully trained under an industry code of practice and competencies reached through a series of training programs.  SECRETARY: Kerry MurphySince July 1988, Kerry has been the Co-operatives Secretary. Kerry reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for maintaining the share register, payment of dividends and rebates, distribution of the Annual Report to members and has a liaison role between members and management. Kerry represents TAFCO on a number of committees including the Victorian Farmers Federation Horticulture Group, Chemcert State Management Committee, Goulburn Murray Water (Ovens Water Services Committee) and the Myrtleford Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Kerry is an active member of the Post Tobacco Action Group (P-TAG) auspiced by the Alpine Shire and is currently managing the "SMARTchoice" Sustainable Land Use Project funded through the National Landcare programme Kerry also co-ordinates members training. Farm Chemical User Courses and Refresher Courses, Forklift Licencing and other training has been co-ordinated where members have expressed an interest or need.  MERCHANDISE SALES & DRIVER: Glenn CousinsGlenn commenced with TAFCO in October 1991 and has been the key player in ensuring that our members have a friendly and efficient delivery service to the farm. Prior to commencement with TAFCO, Glenn successfully completed his Apprenticeship in Farming and is fully accredited by Agsafe in the safe handling, storage and transport of chemicals. Glenn's duties include all aspects of customer sales in addition to the delivery service.
GARY BAXTER: Project Officer Gary commence employment wiith TAFCO in 2007 as Project Officer for the "SMARTchoice" project. The current project is funded until June 2011 and will demonstrate and promote the adoption of sustainable production techniques in the former tobacco production areas of NE Victoria. Implementing sustainable production techniques through soil managments,crop nutrition, water use efficiency and crop production will underpin the project whilst building the capacity of land owners to assess new land use options to improve long term economic viability.
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