A new report from the Australian Farm Institute has found a unique connection between a strong agricultural sector and strong regional communities.
Commissioned by NSW Farmers, the Stronger Ag Stronger Regions report found connectivity, infrastructure and workforce were key factors to the success of both farming and the regions, with strong potential to deliver lasting economic stability.
"This report confirms what we've suspected for some time, that the fates of farms and farming communities and closely intertwined," NSW Farmers President James Jackson said.
"Agriculture is an increasingly important sector both in terms of economic output and food security, and we're playing a key role in removing carbon from the atmosphere.
"Hopefully, this report will prompt governments to further invest in rural and regional communities and the future of agriculture, as we will get a win-win for everyone."
While both the state and federal governments have regional growth priorities, Mr Jackson said these need to complement each other and respond to the needs of regional communities. He said the report identified five policy priorities that would help drive future success:
• supply chains and infrastructure
• water and environmental reform
• cutting red tape for farm businesses
• job creation
• upskilling, training and education
"NSW Farmers has a goal of growing the agriculture sector in our state to $30 billion by 2030, and that means more regional jobs and more opportunities for our communities," Mr Jackson said.
"When COVID arrived, people started flocking to the regions and there's clearly a strong level of interest in developing these towns and cities in the right way.
"What we're doing is looking at every possible way to grow into the future, and with the right support from governments on investment and things like managing land use, we can make sure there's opportunities for everyone."
