Legislation will be introduced to NSW Parliament this month to establish a statutory office of the Agriculture Commissioner.
The commissioner will provide dedicated oversight and advice to the Minister for Agriculture on issues relating to agriculture, land use, food security and agricultural productivity.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said the legislation will be an important milestone as the government works to ensure our regional communities continue to thrive.
“Farmers are the lifeblood of New South Wales, from the food we eat, to the clothes we wear, and it is important there is an independent commissioner advising government on how we can enhance farmers’ productivity,” she said.
“The advice of the commissioner to me will be used to inform evidence-based decisions on policy and programs that can best promote our agricultural sector.”
The Commissioner will undertake the following functions:
• provide advice, conduct reviews and make recommendations on issues relating to agriculture, agricultural productivity, land use and food security when requested by the minister;
• monitor trends and issues relating to agriculture, land use and food security, and to identify opportunities to improve agricultural productivity;
• promote a coordinated and collaborative approach across all tiers of government; and
• engage experts and stakeholders in matters relating to the exercise of the commissioner’s functions.
Once legislation passes, Parliament work will begin to appoint the new commissioner.