Ahead of the last New South Wales election, the Labor Party pledged to establish an Agriculture Commissioner if elected. 

Following the successful passage of legislation on 18 October, the NSW government has officially created the independent statutory role, aimed at providing impartial advice, conducting reviews, and making recommendations on vital agricultural matters. 

With recruitment underway, the Agriculture Commissioner will address critical topics, including productivity, land use conflict and food security. NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty described this development as an “important milestone” that would offer the government independent, expert guidance on policy matters affecting the state’s agricultural sector. 

“Farmers are the lifeblood of NSW, from the food we eat, to the clothes we wear, and it is important there is an independent commissioner advising the government on how we can enhance farmers’ productivity” she said. 

In her Second Reading Speech, Minister Moriarty indicated that the Commissioner’s priorities would include the development of a rural land-use policy to manage competing land demands. Further directives for the Commissioner’s agenda include: 

·       Assisting the NSW Government in developing a consistent system for defining, identifying, and mapping agricultural lands and its use across the state.   

·       To progress the pilot of the Farm Practices Panel aimed at reducing conflict between agricultural producers and neighbours on a broader scale.  

·       Providing input on renewable energy infrastructure developments and challenges, particularly regarding their impacts on landholders and farmers  

The Agriculture Commissioner Act 2024 was formed through consultations with primary industry organisations and local councils.  

NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin praised the new position as a “positive step towards a fairer future for our farmers, as they battle threats to their right to farm on all fronts.” 

“We hope to be able to engage with this new Independent Commissioner directly to advocate for more strategic land use in NSW moving forward and enable our farmers to keep producing the food and fibre our growing population needs.” 

The new legislation allows the Commissioner to consult broadly with government and non-government stakeholders, including NSW Farmers, to inform reviews and advocate for solutions. 

The Country Mayors Association of NSW Acting Chairman, Cr. Rick Firman, emphasised the importance of community engagement for the Agriculture Commissioner, given the extensive demands of the portfolio. 

“I'd love to see them getting out and about... listening on the ground to what are the main issues, challenges, problems, but also what are some of the great stories that that they can learn from.” 

Cr Firman underscored the need for transparent advice, stating “any commissioner appointed to such a role would have to give their frank and fearless advice, otherwise you lose credibility. 

"And then of course it is up to the Minister of the day and the government of the day, whether to accept, reject or amend any of those recommendations from the commissioner.” 

To ensure key priorities are addressed and regularly reviewed, the Act requires a statutory review every five years, with the relevant minister to respond to the Commissioner’s recommendations within six months.  

Minister Moriarty noted, “We need to make sure our farmers can capture the opportunities that come with these changes.” 

The role will be advertised, with a selection panel to review applicants and the government intending to “have the commissioner in place and on the job by the end of this year.” 

“This is something that the Government promised it would do, something that stakeholders have asked for and something that we are delivering,” Minister Moriarty concluded.