Thu. Dec 19th, 2024

Farmers from all corners of the state will meet in Sydney this week to discuss critical issues such as the energy transition and feeding the future.

S significant number of New Englanders will be there with at least two delegates from each local branch. For those who want to follow along at home while they make their way through a very busy agenda, a live stream of the event is available from sponsor Water NSW’s website.

Chief Executive Annabel Johnson said the NSW Farmers Annual Conference was a chance to bring the perspective from the paddock to city as Australia faced a range of challenges.

“Every single day, each and every one of us relies on the hard work of our farmers to feed and clothe the nation,” Ms Johnson said.

“From the rising cost of doing business to competition failures and pest and weed problems, farmers are up against it in their efforts to feed the future.

“But we know there are also a lot of opportunities, which is why we are coming together to develop new strategies for success.”

The two-day event at Rosehill Gardens will involve policy debates and presentations from industry leaders, as well as NSW Premier Chris Minns, Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty, Energy and Environment Minister Penny Sharpe, and Shadow Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders.

“It’s crucial we put the best heads together to come up with the innovative solutions that will drive our sector – and our food security – forward,” Ms Johnson said.

“From renewable energy to national traceability reforms, flash droughts and feral pigs, there is no shortage of topics to be discussed and solutions to be formed at our Conference this year.

“I look forward to the interaction with key decision makers and discussion of the opportunities and challenges facing the state’s agriculture and agri-food industries, and look at the role strong farms will play in securing our future food supply. 

“It is vital to have a strong agricultural sector and robust supply chains that can feed the future, and NSW Farmers is leading the way when it comes to finding the means to make this happen.”