Celebrating National Ag Day with a nod to the past and a look to the future

NSW Farmers’ Association is celebrating Aussie farmers this National AG Day by reflecting on the country’s agricultural past and looking forward to its bright future.

President of NSW Farmers Xavier Martin will today address the media from a farm near Corowa, where the famous Tom Roberts painting

“Shearing the Rams” was first sketched in 1888. “Shearing the Rams” reflects the development of our modern national identity, which has largely come about not only off the sheep’s back, but all animal, plant and aquaculture industries.”

Australian agriculture accounts for 55% of Australian land use, with a gross value of approximately $80 billion, with NSW pulling its weight, producing more than $22 billion worth of food and fibre.

“When farms are strong, rural and regional communities are strong too.

“Our regional towns right across the country largely depend on agriculture for their prosperity,” Mr Martin said. This year’s theme for National AG Day, set by the National Farmers’ Federation, is “Grow you Good Thing.”

“This year, we’re asking all Australians to keep farmers in mind when they’re making their lunch or preparing their dinner, as there’s no doubt what’s on their plate has been grown by a farmer.

“As every Australian knows, farming doesn’t come without its challenges. Whether it be droughts, bushfires, floods, or other natural disasters, or bad policy made by politicians disconnected to the land.

“At the moment we are seeing many of our commodities and rural communities under attack from the Albanese Government’s proposed changes to the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

“We’re also under immense competition pressures, largely thanks to the big supermarkets, and red tape contributing to a worker shortage.”

But, as we’ve seen throughout the decades, agriculture fights back- whether in Tom Roberts’ time or now—and farmers will do what they do best, grow our food and fibre- not just for Australians but for an increasing number of people around the world,” Mr Martin said.

---ENDS ---

Media Contact:

Kathleen Curry - Head of Communications & Engagement
0427 411 220 | [email protected]