After an extensive process, the NSW government has delivered on its election promise and appointed Alison Stone as the inaugural Agriculture Commissioner.

The new commissioner has served as an advisor on the NSW government's Regional Development Advisory Council and chairs Victoria's meat, poultry and seafood regulator PrimeSafe.

She was born and raised in Canberra, spending part of her childhood on the NSW South Coast before moving to Victoria and later ran prime lamb and farm stay company.

She holds a Masters in Environmental Studies from Melbourne University and a Bachelor of Economics from Australian National University and has had livestock exposure on her own farm.

As the first agriculture commissioner she will serve as an advisor to the government, conduct reviews and make recommendations on ag-related issues, including food security and land use conflicts.

"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.

“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.

“NSW’s primary industries sector is 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.

Ms Stone has worked in the private and public sector. IMAGE: supplied 

“Ms Stone’s extensive career across both the public and private sectors has made her a respected leader in agriculture. She has a proven track record of resolving complex and contentious issues in areas such as land management reform," NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said.

“With 25 years of hands-on experience as a livestock farmer, she also understands the realities of rural life and the challenges faced by our farming communities."

 Ms Stone will work a three-year interim role, where she will chair the pilot Farm Practices Panel, aimed at reducing land use conflict between agricultural producers and their neighbours.

She will also have input on renewable energy infrastructure and its potential impact on landholders.

Lobby group welcomes new Commissioner

NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin welcomed the appointment.

“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 – putting farmers under the pump like never before," Mr Martin said.

“Independent advice and solutions to solve these land use conflicts would go a long way to forging a future that ensures our farmers can keep farming, so Australia can continue to feed and clothe the world.

"We hope to be able to engage with her directly to solve challenges, strengthen food security and boost agricultural productivity," he said.