NSW FARMERS TACKLE THE BIG ISSUES

By SARAH WATERS

THE issues facing farmers in NSW are complex but the recently formed NSW Farmers Far North Coast Branch plan to tackle them head on.

The branch was formed in November last year and represents all farmers from the Tweed and Byron Shires.

Chairman Craig Huf, a Burringbar cattle farmer, said the branch’s membership has doubled since its formation and now has over sixty members.

Mr Huf said it aims to enhance the resilience, strength and future sustainability of the agriculture sector on the far north coast.

Compared to the rest of the state, Northern NSW has the highest rainfall in NSW, posing unique weed control and flood mitigation challenges.

“Farmers know the need to adapt to extreme weather events,” Mr Huf said.

“Policy must move and allow this adaption and improve resilience and sustainability.

“In our shires it is common to see rural lands abandoned and left to weed infestation, through the inability to sustain the land as a viable concern.”

The other issues facing NSW farmers include, dealing with expensive and lengthy Development Applications just to create safe farm access roads with farm vehicle roll overs being their greatest workplace risk.

Agricultural productivity has also been on the general decline in the current market where cashed-up individuals are swooping in and purchasing full size operating farms to use as lifestyle blocks.

“If we can ease the burden of regulation and support local farmers, then more local produce will be available to all of us, and we will see less imported product on supermarket shelves,” Mr Huf said.

“Ultimately, the benefit is for everyone.”

Mr Huf wants farmers to have a greater input and influence on policy makers with many areas of policy affecting farmers in the Tweed and Byron shires. For more information on the NSW Farmers Far North Coast Branch email: farnorthcoastNSWF@ gmail.com or register at NSW Farmers.