Cropping and Horticulture Priorities

Transcription

1 Cropping and Horticulture Priorities Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Committee Access to chemicals The Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Committee will progress initiatives that will improve access to new chemical technologies to enhance the international and domestic competitiveness of Australian farmers. This includes initiatives that facilitate the registration of uses for speciality crops and small livestock industries. The Committee will also investigate the adoption of restrictive selling practices which inflate the price of chemicals. Practical Use and Fair Compliance The Committee will work with the EPA and DPI NSW to investigate opportunities to reduce the unnecessary red-tape created by the re-training requirements within the Pesticides Regulation 2009 and Pesticide Control Orders created under the Pesticides Act as part of the Memorandum of Understanding between the NSW Government and NSW Farmers. The Committee will also closely monitor the APVMA s spray drift review to minimise any unnecessarily restrictive rules on spray buffers. Grains Committee 1. National Representation 2. Supply Chain Competition and Efficiencies delivery of improved stocks transparency improved market contestability greater market efficiency Lead Members Rebecca Reardon, Dan Cooper, Rob Eassie, Tom Cullen 3. Grain Standards Standards Policy Standards review Oats standards review Lead Members Rob Eassie 4. Grain RDE GRDC Governance GRDC operational strategy Northern Investment Strategic Plan rollout to the South Lead Members John Minogue 5. Grain Farmer Consumer protection Lead Members Rebecca Reardon 6. Road Policy Lead Stakeholder Adrian Lyon, Tom Cullen Horticulture Committee Priority Goals 1. Labour Law Sufficient labour for harvest

2 2. R&D a. Review of NSW DPI Horticulture R&D Unit Policy on the taxation of working holiday makers. Education of members on managing LHCs Policy on regulation of LHCs Future policy directions for investigation Committee outlined the need for a discussion on: The creation of a semi-skilled visa similar to the safe haven visa. JC noted conversation with Peter Hocking from Bundaberg The development of policy about the resettling of refugees into regional areas. Facilitate the maintenance and enhancement of the investment into horticultural RDE b. Horticulture Innovation That government should allow the use of levy funds in the consultation of remaking of the levies when they expire. 3. Biosecurity: a. Implementation of MOU and Biosecurity Legislation Reform b. Improving on farm biosecurity Victorian style implementation of abandoned orchards Property identification codes Fruit fly controls Protocols to expand (domestic and international) export opportunities for NSW horticulturalists Put out your signs campaign. Encourage implementation of on-farm biosecurity plans (signage as proxy).

3 Environment Land use planning Regionally appropriate and evidence based planning decisions are vital for a thriving agricultural industry in both rural and peri-urban settings. We are calling for significant changes to the land-use planning framework which would ensure the protection and promotion of agricultural land use consistent and uniform guidelines to be used by councils in the development of local environment plans a NSW planning policy for agriculture which reflects and promotes the importance of agriculture within the state and allows flexible and sustainable land use management decisions the protection of farm production systems and values in peri-urban regions a protected right to farm enshrined in legislation Abolition of the standard instrument e-zones over farm land and other overlays which impede and compromise farm management practices. Mining and coal seam gas NSW Farmers promotes the protection of productive agricultural land and water resources from the expanding extractive industries. We believe that this requires state-wide strategic and up-front planning: regional plans which include areas off limits to extractive industries a properly regulated industry with appropriate separations of power in approvals and compliance transparent and rigorous development approval processes based on the best available scientific information protection of aquifers balanced land access and compensation laws setting a fair playing field between landowners and companies seeking access to land robust, independent monitoring of activities. Native vegetation The current native Vegetation framework represents one of the biggest impediments to viable, efficient food and fibre production in NSW. The Native Vegetation Act 2003 has proven to be unworkable and has even caused detrimental environmental outcomes across the state. In the review of the Native Vegetation Act 2003, NSW Farmers is calling urgently for A flexible and dynamic policy framework to assist and compliment a sustainable thriving agricultural industry in NSW and improved biodiversity outcomes. An Act that truly incorporates the balance of social, economic and environmental outcomes abolition of property vegetation plans in favour of regional plans equitable alternatives of transferring the costs of conservation to the farm sector flexibility for innovative and sustainable forestry practices the ability for farmers to make sensible land use management decisions suitable to their needs

4 Water Water is a valuable resource that must be planned for and managed efficiently. NSW Farmers continues to monitor the reviews of the water sharing plans across the state, assisting members to improve plans in an effort to streamline delivery and improve water efficiency. NSW Farmers is also fighting for better outcomes for members and rural communities involved in the implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan and the review of the Water Act We are calling for water planning regimes based on balanced and equally considered social, environmental and economic outcomes environmental watering plans that minimise impacts at peak water times management of existing water storages to maximise productivity and environmental outcomes the construction of new dams, in a strategic manner to streamline electricity production, irrigator, primary production and community needs for mutually beneficial outcomes, and the security of our members water entitlements. Weeds and pest animals It has been estimated that the total average spend per farm on pest and weed control is $ per annum. All land managers must play a role in addressing weed and pest problems, recognising that weeds and pest animals are not only enormously damaging to agricultural productivity, but have damaging effects on biodiversity and water ways. After extensive lobbying NSW Farmers welcomed the government s commitment to a tenure-neutral approach to weeds management in NSW and we now turn to effective implementation of weed reform including appropriately resourced control authorities and clear control obligations for landholders. Both pests and weeds know no boundaries, are state-wide and so a tenure-neutral and strategic approach is urgently needed in NSW. We are asking that the NSW Government fund and implement a strongly coordinated program for pest animal control that: Is consistent across public and private tenures, including National Parks ( nil tenure ) Is supported by a centralised, map-based management data base, tracking pest animal occurrence, management activity and funding; Includes significant additional funding for wild dog, rabbit, fox and pig control activities; and Includes changes to biodiversity policy to enable more efficient control activity. Conservation and Resource Management Committee Mitchell Clapham - Chair Robert G Anderson, Moree Angus Atkinson, Coonabarabran Helen Dalton, Binya Timothy Duddy, Quirindi Michael Green, Cooma Kath Robb, Alstonville Cameron Rowntree, Walgett Danica Leys Policy Director Environment leysd@nswfarmers.org.au Adair Moar Senior Policy Advisor Environment moara@nswfarmers.org.au

5 Livestock ANIMAL WELFARE COMMITTEE POLICY PRIORITIES Taking a cross-commodity approach to promoting the best practice animal welfare credentials of farmers including a commitment to continuous improvement. 2. Finalization of Stock Welfare Panel 3. NSWFA to promote community engagement on value of farming. 4. That research into analgesics for use in certain livestock husbandry procedures continues. BIOSECURITY COMMITTEE POLICY PRIORITIES Quarantine Standards, Procedures and Resources a. "That the association support biosecurity that is underpinned with sound scientific principles and rigor for the entry into Australia of any products, materials or livestock to the minimum standard of that applied to Australian products, manufacturers and suppliers." b. Incorporating policies that create international competitiveness. 2. NSW Biosecurity Bill Ensure the best interests of NSW farmers are represented in the Biosecurity policy and regulations. 3. Federal Biosecurity Bill: - Ensure the assurances made by Minister Joyce are implemented and adhered to. 4. Waste Disposal Investigate the issue of the disposal of waste outside the Sydney Basin. CATTLE COMMITTEE POLICY PRIORITIES Enhance member communications to promote value of New South Wales Farmers Association and the work of the Cattle Committee. 2. Ensure New South Wales Farmers Association Bovine Johne s Disease recommendations are adopted in National Review 3. Ensure there is an increase in Local Land Services extension officers and training DAIRY COMMITTEE PRIORITIES 2015/ Animal Welfare / Biosecurity a. BJD b. Bobby Calves/ Induction 2. Connecting with a. Community - Building Social Capacity through improved relations along the supply chain i. Internal professional development of committee ii. Dairy Australia /Dairy NSW iii. ADF iv. Dairy Connect (MOU) v. Supermarkets b. Membership i. Explaining value ii. Engagement through communicating wins iii. ADF Funding for membership drive 3. Energy / Inputs / Employment

6 a. Build on Energy inputs work from 2014/15 b. Changes to employment laws in 2015 & their impact on industry 4. Quality / Production Process a. Consistency of testing b. Country of Origin Labelling c. GM Rye Grass 5. Infrastructure / Roads / Transport a. Improvements to roads/infrastructure b. Dairy underpasses c. Accreditation of tanker drivers/differing state regulations EGG COMMITTEE PRIORITIES Free-range labelling 2. ACCC 3. Activists and animal welfare GOAT COMMITTEE PRIORITIES Wild Dogs 2. NLIS 3. AgVet Chemical Registration 4. Animal Welfare OYSTER COMMITTEE PRIORITIES Targeted estuary rehabilitation 2. Review and improve Shellfish Program, biosecurity arrangements and the NSW Oyster Industry Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy 3. Ensure the 4. breeding-hatchery-nursery system is commercially viable PORK COMMITTEE PRIORITIES Imports 2. Biosecurity 3. Animal activists 4. Labelling SHEEP MEAT COMMITTEE PRIORITIES An animal welfare approach which is proactive, industry led, places animal welfare in the wider context of health and productivity and maintains the live export trade: - Support a voluntary model code of practice approach to the sheep welfare standards and guidelines process - Support world best practice in health, productivity and welfare outcomes - Tell positive stories to influence the perception of consumers and politicians - Increase the awareness among producers of the importance of reduced sheep mortalities on farm - Advocate for timely abattoir reporting and feedback to producers on health issues

7 - Model Code of Practice as discussed with John concept worked up and taken to EC in Feb (concept in Dec) 2. An NLIS system which is affordable and meets national traceability standards: - Ensure the maintenance of the visual, mob based NLIS system - Contribute to an improvement in NVD compliance - Ensure NLIS is integrated with abattoir surveillance 3. Improved market access for export and domestic sales of sheepmeat: - Advocate for the maintenance of Australia s safe, clean, green reputation - Ensure product integrity by improving abattoir surveillance - Ensure the definition of lamb if maintained as when teeth eruption occurs - Engage with and have input into MLA marketing programs - Improved market access for skins 4. The committee has influence over the strategic direction of sheep R,D and E in NSW: - Ensure the strategic alignment of LLS extension for sheep with DPI R&D and Biosecurity NSW - Influence the priorities of government organisations (DPI,LLS) so that they reflect the needs of sheep producers - Support continued innovation with regard to genetics/genomics to improve uptake 5. A reduction in predation of sheep by vertebrate pests: - Ensure the control of wild pigs is prioritised by MLA - Support research into raptor predation of sheep - Support the ongoing work on wild dog control 6. Improved industry awareness and uptake of effective sheep health and biosecurity practices: - Improve industry awareness of biosecurity: o Increase the use of the SHS as a biosecurity tool o Reinvigorate ILO network o Mandated access for industry inspectors to abattoirs o Engage with the Livestock Biosecurity Network - Improve the toolbox for producers to manage OJD: o Support the development of a cheaper, safer more effective vaccine for OJD o Support research to improve the understanding of OJD epidemiology - Ensure the OJD MAP review is based on wide consultation and a scientifically sound approach WESTERN DIVISION COUNCIL PRIORITIES Better outcomes from water developmental schemes & future drought preparedness policy 2. Increased focus on Vertebrate Animal Control (native & non-native) a. Wild dogs, Pigs & Foxes b. Invasive and noxious weeds& plant (Hudson pear) c. Total Grazing Pressure issues with Native animals eg: Certain Kangaroo species d. TGP control fencing 3. Roads & Transport a. Road condition standard essential for community support (EG freight - health & safety - social & business networking) b. Transport operating issues (Farm machinery, Truck and machinery Licensing & operating Requirements) 4. Ensuring good outcomes for farmers from the pending Crown Lands Reform a. Freeholding (TSR & PWP Issues) b. Change of Purpose issues

8 5. Opal Mining Lightning Ridge a. Achieving strategic buy back by government of lands affected by opal mining in the Narran-Warrambool Opal Mining Reserve b. Regulatory Enforcement and Compliance of Opal Mining Activities by Government Authorities 6. Maintain and increase Rural & Remote Support Services a. R&R Health (Mental, General Medical & Dentistry) b. Education & Communication c. Rural Financial Councillors 7. Keep the LLS focus upon: a. Stock movement b. Biosecurity c. Noxious and invasive weed and pest animal Control WOOL COMMITTEE PRIORITIES Animal Welfare Ensuring standards + guidelines stay as guidelines Development of a proactive means of engaging with the animal welfare debate (e.g. support for non mandatory pain relief) Consider revisiting the 'Sheep Husbandry best practise guide' 2. Pest animals/disease management/weeds National wild dog action plan OJD 3. AWI Accountability AWI strategic plan for the next 3 years ( ) Want to ensure that AWI remains transparent and accountable 4. Wool selling system/prices/ lot sizes AWI Review, ensure transparency and relevance and that tangible good will occur from it 5. Shearer shed hand training/code of conduct/labour costs/numbers in industry AWI training is good, need to continue to support them 6. Market Based Mechanisms to describe our product Particularly NWD, also NVD and NLIS compliance 7. NLIS Ensure that RFIDs do not become mandatory 8. R&D on sheep handling equipment Support AWI as they engage with Western Australia over this

9 Rural Affairs & Beat RURAL AFFAIRS - Drought - Telecommunications - Bushfires - Education - Rural Communities, including: o Rural Health o Rail Trails o Rural Crime BEAT - Taxation - Roads and Maritime Services - Infrastructure - Crown Lands - Competition policy reform principally the introduction of an effects test