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The National Farmers' Federation will hold forums in Shepparton and Wagga Wagga to help develop the Blueprint for Australian Agriculture.

Everyone with an interest in or involvement with agriculture is invited to have their say on the issues, challenges and opportunities facing the farm sector.

From this week, the National Farmers’ Federation will be collecting the views of Australia’s 140,000 farmers and the wider supply chain to develop the blueprint.

''The blueprint is designed to set the future direction for the farming sector by hearing from the farmers, transporters, processors, retailers, agriculture teachers, agronomists, small business owners – in short, anyone with a stake in Australian agriculture,” federation president Jock Laurie said.

''We want you to tell us what you believe the key issues are for your farms and businesses and suggest potential solutions for the industry to tackle these issues head on.

“So in this, the Australian Year of the Farmer, we are asking for your help in shaping the future of our industry.''

The Shepparton and Wagga Wagga forums will be the only official forums held in Victoria and NSW, but there are other ways to participate.

The Shepparton forum is on Wednesday, 18 April and the Wagga Wagga forum is on Wednesday, 4 April.

Visit the website and fill in the survey, talk to one of 24 federation member organisations or run your own blueprint session in your community.

For more information visit www.nff.org.au or phone 02 6269 5666.