The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to ensure the New South Wales farmers and agriculture industry are safeguarded into the future with the appointment of Alison Stone as the state’s first statutory Agriculture Commissioner.
Committed to during the state election and legislated last year, the Commissioner will provide independent advice, conduct reviews and make recommendations to the NSW Government on agricultural matters, including productivity, land use conflict and food security.
Commissioner Stone has over 40 years of experience across primary industries equipping her to provide informed advice to the NSW Government on future proofing this vital industry.
This experience has included 25 years as a farmer, policy experience across Land, Natural Resources, Foresty, Heritage and Wildlife Roles and experience in disaster resilience, response and recovery having led the codesign process for the Disaster Wise Communities Network.
Further, the Commissioner served on the NSW Government’s cornerstone Regional Advisory Council, the Victorian Fisheries Co-Management Council and the Commonwealth Government’s Forest Industry Advisory Council.
As Agriculture Commissioner, Ms Stone will serve an initial three-year term with work to include:
- Assisting the NSW Government in developing an ongoing system for defining, identifying, and mapping agricultural lands throughout the State
- Progressing the pilot of a Farm Practices Panel, which will look at ways to reduce conflict between agricultural producers and neighbours on a broader scale
- Providing input and advice to address challenges related to critical renewable energy infrastructure to support our energy transition and the impact it can have on landholders
- Promoting a coordinated and collaborative approach across the Commonwealth Government, the NSW Government and local government in relation to agricultural matters
- Work with the Net Zero Commissioner promoting a cohesive approach to policy making.
The appointment of the state’s first Statutory Agriculture Commissioner is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to ensure regional communities and farmers can thrive. This work has included the following:
- The appointment of the state’s first Independent Biosecurity Commissioner Dr Marion Healy
- The creation of the $450 million Regional Development Trust Fund to deliver sustainable and strategic investment that make a real difference to regional communities
- A historic investment of $947 million in biosecurity protection and enforcement.
NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:
“The Minns Government has delivered another key election commitment by ensuring farmers and the agricultural sector has a dedicated and independent Agriculture Commissioner to advise me and the Government on best options for matters such as land planning in regional NSW.
“Ms Stone’s extensive career across both the public and private sectors has made her a respected leader in agriculture and the Government is endorsing her for this role because she has a proven track record of resolving complex and contentious issues in areas such as land management reform.
“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.
“The appointment of a statutory Agricultural Commissioner marks an exciting new chapter for agriculture in NSW, and I look forward to working alongside Ms Stone to champion our farmers, protect valuable agricultural land, and build a stronger, more resilient agricultural sector.
Ms Alison Stone, endorsed to be the first statutory NSW Agriculture Commissioner said:
“Agriculture is the backbone of our state, and 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.”
“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.
“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.
“I am honoured to be endorsed by the NSW Government for the first statutory Agriculture Commissioner and to work alongside Minister Moriarty and the farming sector to build a more resilient and prosperous future.
