Grains and horticulture bring $7.2 billion into our state every year – and constant research and innovations keep this number growing. Supporting farmers in these key industries is the NSW Farmers’ cropping and horticulture team, consisting of Robert Hardie and Alexandra Bunton, working hand-in-hand with the Association’s Grains and Horticulture Committees.
In 2016-17, the gross value of production of the NSW grains industry was $6.2 billion, including wheat, cotton, barley, pulses and oilseeds.
As a member of the national peak body Grain Producers Australia (GPA), NSW Farmers has advocated for improved standards, a stronger supply chain and the need for better reporting of stocks information by bulk handlers. The Association also works with the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
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DIVERSE HORTICULTURE INDUSTRIES
The Horticulture Committee represents members from the diverse horticulture industries which produce over $1 billion in farmgate value and employ over 10,000 people across the state. NSW Farmers works closely with AUSVEG, the peak industry body for the Australian vegetable and potato growers, and the APAL (Apple and Pear Australia Ltd) industry body.
Robert and Alexandra are also responsible for ag science (chemicals and veterinary medicines) and biosecurity, and are actively involved in developing a viable farm income protection insurance market, including rebates.
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The team’s current key priorities across the whole portfolio include:
● Pursuing the government and Australian Rail Track Corporation for updates on the Inland Rail project, especially the route, and other logistics.
● Improving freight and supply chain efficiency, from farm to consumer.
● Lifting investment in biosecurity research, education and enforcement.
● Tackling the problem of spray drift.
● Ensuring fair markets and adequate competition policy for fresh produce.
● Advocating for affordable labour to ensure fresh produce can be picked, packed and processed as quickly as possible.
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In recent years, the team’s efforts and lobbying resulted in some significant wins:
● The new Biosecurity Act for NSW, which commenced on 1 July 2017.
● The successful $7 million flying fox netting scheme to protect vulnerable orchards.
● A new Horticulture Code of Conduct to better protect growers.
● Reform of pesticides regulations.
● An industry forum on spray drift issues.
● An industry panel to address concerns about farm machinery fire insurance.
● Country of origin labelling laws.
● Implementation of the Grains Harvest Management Scheme to promote the safe movement of grain.
● An investigation into farm income protection insurance, including rebates for advice about policies.
ROBERT HARDIE
Policy director – cropping and horticulture
“It’s important for the sector to look ahead. I hope the work I do improves the business and prospects of farmers.”
Your biggest achievement?
I’ve enjoyed pulling together the 2019 state election policy into a document called FOCUS. It describes the five pillars needed to advance the value of agriculture. It’s important for the sector to ensure that we are looking ahead.
I worked in policy and government for 10 years before I started my role with NSW Farmers, and I enjoy working across a diverse range of policy issues. I hope the work I do improves the business and prospects of farmers.
What are the biggest challenges for farmers?
The biggest challenges are around costs and imperfect markets. Grain growers live far away from ports and it’s expensive to get that grain to the buyers. Then you have the supermarkets, which dictate prices that are not necessarily economically viable to continue to produce.
“Farmers are always challenged to try to plan ahead and get the financial capacity to make the investments they need to keep growing further.”
What is your background?
My grandfather was a farmer so I’m part of the generation of Australians with a connection to agriculture – albeit a generation or two ago. I have limited farming experience but have a strong connection to the land.
Generations are now becoming more removed from the farm. For me it’s really important to ensure there’s still a connection between farmers and people knowing where their food and fibre is coming from.
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ALEXANDRA BUNTON
Senior policy advisor – cropping and horticulture
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“A big challenge is ensuring farmers have access to the technology they need for profitability and sustainability.”
Your biggest achievement?
Since joining NSW Farmers, the issue I’ve been most passionate about has been Q fever. Last year we secured funding for a Q fever awareness program, which came on the back of many months of organising events and lobbying governments.
In 2018 I’ve been working with a researcher on developing a new Q fever vaccine – this has resulted in a commitment from the NSW government to help fund the research.
What are the biggest challenges for farmers?
Ensuring farmers have access to the technology they need to increase their profitability and ensure environmental sustainability. There are so many myths, particularly in the city, about biotechnology and chemicals, and we see these played out internationally with bans on glyphosate or GM seed.
When it comes to agriculture, so many people outside the industry don’t have the scientific literacy to understand why these inputs are so important to farmers.
What is your background?
I come from generations of city-dwellers. I have a Bachelor of Arts (Environmental Studies and Politics) from the University of NSW and a Master of Agriculture from the University of New England.
Prior to NSW Farmers I spent just over four years at the federal Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, working on everything from cropping to coal seam gas policy. I was with the livestock team at NSW Farmers for two years before moving back into cropping.