Despite this year’s disastrous weather disasters, agriculture in NSW contributes more to the economy than ever before, with the total value of the business increasing by over $2 billion last year to a record $23.1 billion.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said despite several hurdles, farmers continue to go above and beyond.
According to Deputy Premier Toole, tomorrow’s National Ag Day is a chance for everyone to join together and thank farmers for the world-class food and fibre grown right on NSW’s doorstep.
“Farmers are the backbone of bush communities and the State’s economy, and have shouldered the burden to keep supermarkets shelves stocked despite unprecedented challenges in the past year,” Deputy Premier Toole stated.
The Deputy Premier added that NSW is well on its way to becoming a $30 billion sector by 2030, thanks to farmers’ tireless efforts day in and day out.
Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders presented the annual Performance Data and Insights report today, which indicates that the agricultural sector is still breaking records despite severe calamities.
“Farmers have also battled disease and pest incursions, continued biosecurity threats, increasing farm input costs like fuel and fertiliser and geopolitical events causing supply chain pressures,” Minister Saunders said.
Minister Saunders stated that the fact that the industry is still thriving amidst all of this demonstrates the tenacity and commitment of our primary producers. The Minister added that NSW’s agriculture industry experienced the benefits of favourable seasonal conditions, increasing by 43 per cent yearly to $11.9 billion.
“Livestock industries also achieved a record value of $7.9 billion due to a recovery in sheep meat and wool production and higher lamb, beef and wool prices. This demand supported higher farm gate prices and drove a 13 per cent increase on the previous year,” Minister Saunders said.
He added that this year, NSW’s exports have also reached a new high of $10.9 billion, a 64 per cent increase.
The NSW Government has announced a variety of projects and improvements for the agriculture industry in 2022, with the following being highlights:
- NSW will spend $229 million to prepare for and defend against Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease;
- Over $202 million has been spent in the last year to assist flood-affected farms;
- An $18 million compensation package is part of an emergency effort to eradicate the Varroa mite in NSW;
- A pest management program coordinated with farmers on over 60 million hectares of land; and
- A thorough examination of on-farm renewable energy initiatives.
