NSW appoints first agriculture commissioner for ‘under the pump’ industry

A historic first in one state has been described as a “solid step towards a fairer future” for one group of Australian workers facing challenges.

The NSW government has appointed the state’s first statutory agriculture commissioner in a win for the industry.

The Minns Labor government says the role represents its commitment to safeguarding the future of NSW farmers and the agriculture industry.

With a career spanning more than 40 years, including 25 years of hands-on experience as a livestock farmer, Alison Stone has been selected for the role.

Alison Stone is NSW’s first agriculture commissioner. Picture: Supplied

She has worked within the industry for more than 40 years, including 25 years as a farmer. Picture: Supplied

Ms Stone’s time in the industry spans land and infrastructure management, commercial development, forestry, fire and emergency management, and primary industries at local, state and national levels.

Ms Stone described NSW’s primary industries sector as “one of the most diverse in the country, with a wide range of agricultural commodities and farming systems”.

“While this presents challenges, it also creates valuable opportunities for growth and innovation,” she said.

The complexity of the agriculture industry has been highlighted by NSW Farmers Association president Xavier Martin, who said it was “essential governments have the advice and solutions they need to not only understand these challenges, but overcome them”.

NSW Farmers Association President Xavier Martin said the appointment of the agriculture commissioner has come at a time when farmers face mounting challenges.

The appointment has been welcomed by the NSW Farmers Association, which has called it a “solid step towards a fairer future for our farmers”.

It came at a time when Aussie farmers “battle threats to their right to farm on all fronts”, Mr Martin said.

The agriculture commissioner’s role is to be an independent voice for NSW farmers and provide the government with advice and recommendations on agricultural matters such as land use, food security and agricultural productivity issues.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our state, and my role is to collaborate with government, landowners and industry leaders to drive tangible, on-the-ground outcomes and practices to ensure NSW has a strong and prosperous agriculture sector,” Ms Stone said.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty welcomed Ms Stone as someone who could advise her and the government “on best options”.

“The appointment of a statutory agricultural commissioner marks an exciting new chapter for agriculture in NSW, and I look forward to working alongside Ms Stone to champion our farmers, protect valuable agricultural land, and build a stronger, more resilient agricultural sector,” Ms Moriarty said.

NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty and the government will be advised by the independent agriculture commissioner. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

NSW Farmers have been put “under the pump like never before”, Mr Martin said.

“Water is being taken away from farms, farms are being taken away for renewable energy developments and there is increasing pressure to lock up other land thanks to native vegetation maps.”

There is hope that by having an agriculture commissioner, the pressure NSW farmers are feeling will be alleviated.

Ms Stone will work to expand agricultural lands throughout NSW, reduce conflict between agricultural producers and neighbours, address challenges relating to renewable energy infrastructure, support the state’s energy transition, and work with the net zero commissioner.

“One of my key priorities is helping government to protect and support our agricultural land, ensuring productivity remains on the government’s agenda alongside its priorities for renewable energy and housing,” Ms Stone said.

Ms Stone’s appointment follows the appointment of the state’s first independent biosecurity commissioner, Marion Healy, the creation of the Regional Development Trust Fund, and a $947m investment into biosecurity protection and enforcement.

Ms Stone will serve an initial three-year term as the agriculture commissioner.