Good policy begins at grassroots

We congratulate the new president of NSW Farmers, James Jackson, newly elected directors and policy committee delegates. Good policy begins at the grassroots, as does advocacy – our committees are representatives of communities across the state, growing everything from oysters to grains, poultry to pigs and goats.

Policy debate has been robust. We have debated water, weeds and pests; re-confirmed the need to get biodiversity laws right, discussed biosecurity in the livestock and cropping sectors, called for chain of responsibility clarity, and tackled the ongoing concerns of members about drought, inland rail, e-zones and telecommunications.

Government, and the opposition, knows that when NSW Farmers speaks, we speak as the united voice of farmers from across the state. 

As we approach the coming state election, NSW Farmers’ committees will begin policy prioritisation, ensuring that they key concerns of farmers are made clear to all political parties before the election.

The drought is taking its toll on farmers and rural communities. Farmer members have shared stories about the need to take time out of hand feeding stock to attend conference – we appreciate the fact that increasingly time-poor farmers have made their way to Sydney to ensure the policies of the Association meet their needs.

Acknowledging the impact of drought is important to farmers, as is tangible action from government to support them and their communities until, and after, the rains again begin to fall.

Our conference once again shows that grass roots agricultural advocacy is strong in New South Wales.