Farmers have told the state's leading agricultural association that resilience and environmental performance are some of their top priorities for the future.
NSW Farmers, in partnership with the Future Food Systems Cooperative Research Centre and the University of New England, asked members and non-members to take a survey on the future of farming as part of a push to grow agriculture to $30 billion by 2030.
Preliminary findings from the survey show respondents were most likely to prioritise building and maintaining a resilient farming business, and a notable proportion were also most interested in improving the environmental performance and status of the farm. Investing in environmental works, and new technologies and production techniques are amongst farmers' highest priorities for action.
"Agriculture is such an important part of our lives, and we're committed to understanding how we can grow the future of the sector over the next decade," NSW Farmers President James Jackson said.
"This survey asks about what farmers are doing now and what actions they'll take into the future, as well as what might make it difficult to achieve their farm business goals.
"With agriculture contributing $13.6 billion to the state's economy in the last year alone, it's important that everyone from governments to bodies like ours to regional communities understands how to unlock the opportunities."
Early survey responses hint at significant opportunities to support the growth of agriculture in:
- Workforce training and development
- Increasing access to domestic and international trade
- Improved freight and logistics infrastructure
- Better internet connectivity
- Development of regional processing hubs and value-adding enterprises
- Helping farmers meet the challenge of climate change
"It's important we hear from all farmers as it will help identify how we can grow the sector into the future," Mr Jackson said.
"Your experience and responses to the survey may reveal different priority goals, actions and opportunities.
"We encourage all farmers to have their say by completing the survey."
Go to the NSW Farmers website to take the survey.
