Australia: The NSW Farmers’ Association’s says it welcomes announcement by the NSW Liberals & Nationals at the 2010 Annual Conference: Value of Agriculture that they will create a Shadow Primary Industries portfolio.

“It’s good to see the NSW Liberals & Nationals have taken on board community concern and feedback. It is also significant that the agricultural sector will have its own advocate in Cabinet should the Opposition win in March,” NSW Farmers’ Association President Charles Armstrong said.

The announcement follows discussions on this topic at the Rebuilding the Regions Workshop, organised by the Association in Dubbo last week.

“It is important that the issues affecting the agricultural sector and rural and regional communities are considered by politicians both in Government and in Opposition,” he said

“Strong policy development in these areas is crucial for the development of country NSW. “We also welcome a commitment from Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell that his party will work with us to fix the problem relating to Government acquiring private property without just – terms compensation.

“We look forward to continuing our working relationship with both Barry O’Farrell and Duncan Gay in his new role.”

Source: http://www.nswfarmers.org.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/65739/145.10nr.pdf