NSW Farmers standing up and demanding a fair go

Farmers are not being given the chance to share real science and practical realities as push back against anti-farming agendas, according to NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin. 

Mr Martin addressed Henty Machinery Field Days visitors from The Stump on Wednesday, September 17.

“I know the conditions in this southern part of the state have also been extremely difficult this year and it cannot be easy having the weather against you, as well as our governments,” he said.

“We know there is much to be done. But the good news is, we, as NSW Farmers, are in a solid position to advocate for positive change.”

Mr Martin said the peak body had set its policy priorities for the year ahead.

“We are reviewing and renewing our national representation structures so we can get the best outcomes for our farmers and ensure the voice from the paddock is being heard in parliament,” he said.

“This is the most important thing – standing up and demanding a fair go for farmers. 

“In the past, there have been instances where such national representation structures have been more dysfunctional or less effective than we hoped when it comes to coordinating and unifying our agricultural organisations in advocacy issues important to us.

“Fake news about farmers has not been fact checked and farmers have not been given the chance to share the real science and practical realities.

“Our response to the proposed biosecurity tax and the use of important agricultural chemicals are just two examples of this, and there is no room for error in this critical time.

“We are not far off a federal election and now is our opportunity to get the outcomes we want.

“At the end of the day, what we really want is a fair go for farmers so we can keep feeding and clothing the world.

“With your support, NSW farmers will keep doing what’s most important: we stand up for farmers and demand a fair go.”