NSW Farmers has welcomed the appointment of the state's first legislated Independent Agriculture Commissioner as farmers face mounting challenges around land use and productivity.
On Thursday NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty announced Alison Stone as the state's legislated Independent Agriculture Commissioner to provide strategic advice on agriculture, land use, food security and agricultural productivity issues within NSW.
NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin thanked Minister Moriarty for delivering on the Commissioner position, with the Minns Government to be commended for honouring their pre-election commitment to farmers in the state.
"The appointment of Ms Stone as the state's Agriculture Commissioner is a solid step towards a fairer future for our farmers, as they battle threats to their right to farm on all fronts," Mr Martin said.
"Water is being taken away from farms, farms are being taken away for renewable energy developments and there is increasing pressure to lock up other land thanks to native vegetation maps - putting farmers under the pump like never before.
"Independent advice and solutions to solve these land use conflicts would go a long way to forging a future that ensures our farmers can keep farming, so Australia can continue to feed and clothe the world."
With Ms Stone to serve an initial term of three years, Mr Martin said there was no shortage of challenges for the state's new Agriculture Commissioner to address promptly within her role.
"The breadth and complexity of challenges within agriculture is significant, and it is essential governments have the advice and solutions they need to not only understand these challenges, but overcome them," Mr Martin said.
"As Ms Stone steps into the role, we hope to be able to engage with her directly to solve challenges, strengthen food security and boost agricultural productivity in NSW, now and beyond."
