The Hon. Paul Toole, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, The Hon. Dugald Saunders, Minister for Agriculture (NSW), Joint Media Release, 17 November 2022

Agriculture in NSW is contributing more to the economy than ever before despite this year’s devastating weather events, with the total value of the industry rising by more than $2 billion last year to a record $23.1 billion.  

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said farmers continue to go above and beyond despite many challenges.

“Tomorrow’s National Ag Day is an opportunity for everyone to come together and thank our farmers for the world-class food and fibre grown on our doorstep,” Mr Toole said.

“Farmers are the backbone of bush communities and the State’s economy, and have shouldered the burden to keep supermarkets shelves stocked despite unprecedented challenges in the past year.

“We’re well on our way to agriculture becoming a $30 billion industry by 2030, and that is testament to our farmers’ hard work, day in, day out.”

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders released the annual Performance Data and Insights report which shows the ag sector is continuing to break records despite a string of natural disasters.

“Farmers have also battled disease and pest incursions, continued biosecurity threats, increasing farm input costs like fuel and fertiliser and geopolitical events causing supply chain pressures,” Mr Saunders said.

“The fact the sector continues to prosper during all of this highlights the resilience and determination of our primary producers. 

“Our cropping sector reaped the benefits of strong seasonal conditions to record a 43 per cent increase on last year to reach $11.9 billion.

“Livestock industries also achieved a record value of $7.9 billion due to a recovery in sheep meat and wool production and higher lamb, beef and wool prices. This demand supported higher farm gate prices and drove a 13 per cent increase on the previous year.

“This year, we’ve also seen our exports reach a new record high of $10.9 billion, up a huge 64 per cent.”

The Liberals and Nationals have announced a number of initiatives and reforms for the agriculture industry in 2022, highlights including:

• $229 million to prepare and protect NSW against Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease;
• More than $202 million in the last 12 months to help flood affected farmers;
• An emergency plan to eradicate Varroa mite in NSW, including an $18 million compensation package;
• A coordinated pest management program with farmers on more than 60 million hectares of land; and,
• A comprehensive review into on-farm renewable energy projects.

The 2021/2022 Performance Data and Insights report is available at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/publications/pdi