NSW Government last night launched its ambitious plan to add $4 billion to the State’s $12bn primary industries sector by 2020.
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The Agriculture Industry Action Plan was revealed last night at the NSW Farmer of the Year awards by Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson.
The plan was a roadmap for primary industries growth that incorporates wide ranging recommendations developed by industry, Ms Hodgkinson said.
It will drive government into collaboration with industry by providing “the appropriate tools and infrastructure (to gain access to) groundbreaking global opportunities, including in Asia”, Ms Hodgkinson said.
Sporting the moniker primed for growth: investing locally, connecting globally, the plan draws on a list of 40 recommendations from the Action Plan Taskforce, led by livestock industry leader Lucinda Corrigan.
Outcomes are targeted for delivery at either two-year, five-year or 10-year timeframes, with annual reporting of progress.
Minister Hodgkinson said the recommendations for driving growth are based on:
- Research and development
- Cutting red tape
- Growing exports and attracting investment
- Skills-based training
“Backed by this strategic roadmap, we will help producers capitalise on opportunities stemming from rapid increases in global demand and population growth,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
Agriculture joins a range of other industries for which the government has developed an action plan: the visitor economy; digital economy; international education and research; manufacturing; professional services and creative industries.
Consultation for development of the plan kicked off in July, and no doubt it will now play a prominent part in the NSW Nationals’ pitch in the lead up to the March State election.
Click here for the full list of recommendations and the Agricultural Industry Action Plan.
