To promote effective farming, the following ‘building blocks’ are needed:
Within the emerging strategy for the farming and food industry, a series of achievable, measurable five-year/shorter-term plans.
Smarter regulation with a genuine emphasis on earned recognition and evidenced outcomes rather than compliance with process.
Environmental policy that recognises the active management required to achieve many environmental benefits.
Increased and better-directed funding for applied research, development and extension to increase productivity and mitigate changing climate.
A cost-effective plan to support the delivery of public goods, including development of rural infrastructures and flood defences, and continuing improvement of the environment.
Creation of products for local and international export markets for both commodity and added-value goods
Recognition of the positive benefits of scale, technology and modern farming systems in increasing productivity and providing beneficial contribution to the environment.
Policy which considers the whole food supply chain.
Promotion of the breadth and depth of career opportunities in agriculture at schools, colleges and universities and through work experience, apprenticeships and practical farm management training.
A sustainable plan to ensure key sectors within farming can continue to access seasonal and casual labour from overseas.
