Farming sectors have put their hand up for an Agriculture Commissioner

Deputy Premier John Barilaro was in Coffs Harbour this morning visiting farmers to talk about the “right to farm” issues impacting the region as well as the appointment of an Agriculture Commissioner.

The NSW Nationals have announced an Agriculture Commissioner who would be an advocate for better planning reforms and act as a guide to government on reducing unnecessary red tape.

But it seems it’s just the tip of the iceberg.

At the NSW Farmers’ primary industries pre-election forum on Tuesday dairy farmers expressed they would like their own commissioner to represent their industry in dealing with the $1/litre milk crisis and negotiations with processors.

NSW Nationals candidate for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said a commissioner would not only benefit farmers across all sectors but would be useful for the blueberry industry against “nuisance complaints”.

“What a commissioner will do is offer support like a small business commissioner,” Mr Singh said, who is a fourth generation blueberry grower.

“If farmers need to defend themselves in court they can offer advice.

“It would help stop nuisance complaints against the the industry not based on facts including why producers spray insecticide at night.

“The best practice is spraying at night but you get complaints about what they are hiding.”

He said growers sprayed at night as it did not impact bees that returned to their hives.

Mr Singh added the ‘right to farm’ reforms would improve productivity and create more certainty for farmers in the Coffs Harbour electorate. 

“Our farming community faces daily threats, including increased regulation, tough seasonal conditions and the growing market power of major corporates,” Mr Singh said.

The commissioner will also work alongside the planning authorities to strengthen standards development and zoning methods and make recommendations to government to ensure farmers are always protected.