NSW Farmers’ Association, Media Release, 4 April 2023

The state’s peak farming body says the incoming Agriculture Minister will need to hit the ground running to keep food production on track.

On Tuesday NSW Premier Chris Minns announced Queanbeyan-based upper house MP Tara Moriarty would be the new Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW.

NSW Farmers CEO Pete Arkle said while Ms Moriarty did not have an agricultural background, in her first speech to Parliament she had spoken passionately about “embracing technology and new ideas and rolling out the infrastructure that assists more efficient freight and people movement around the regions”.

“Agriculture is a critical industry for the state – not just in terms of jobs and economics – we grow the food and fibre that feeds and clothes people,” Mr Arkle said.

“The Minister has an understanding of what it’s like to live outside of Sydney, but when you look at regional, rural and remote communities, there’s a big gap in services and opportunities.

“NSW Farmers is determined to secure positive outcomes for the agricultural sector and our communities, and we will work with Ms Moriarty to see those needs met.”

Mr Arkle said NSW Labor had shown an interest in working constructively with the farming sector, with Mr Minns promising to deliver an independent Agriculture Commissioner and a fresh focus on domestic biosecurity at the NSW Farmers Annual Conference last year.

“There are some headwinds facing farmers at the moment, and it’s critical to have support for this important sector from the state government,” Mr Arkle said.

“There are opportunities for partnerships between farmers and government – say in environmental gains through on-farm natural capital enhancement – where management of land and incentives from government work together without impacting production capacity.

“This is why we have been calling for an independent Agriculture Commissioner who can assist whole-of-government decisions to build better planning, environmental and production outcomes, and Mr Minns has promised to deliver that role.”

A number of issues such as regional roads, land use conflict, rural health services and the cost of living emerged a number of times during election debates hosted by NSW Farmers, and Mr Arkle said the onus was now on the incoming government to provide solutions.

“NSW Farmers is in the business of advocating for our members and our communities, but it is up to the government of the day to deliver,” he said.

“Penny Sharpe will have her hands full with energy and the environment, because we have seen numerous examples of avoidable conflict when it comes to renewables on agricultural land, and Rose Jackson will need to carefully navigate the water portfolio to ensure farmers can access that precious resource to grow our food and fibre.

“Jenny Aitchison will also have a huge task ahead of her in terms of repairing and improving our road and rail network, so we can get food from farm gate to dinner plate efficiently and cost-effectively.”