New South Wales’ first statutory agriculture commissioner will provide advice and make recommendations to the government
The NSW government has announced Alison Stone as the state’s first statutory agriculture commissioner.
Committed to during the state election and legislated last year, Stone will provide independent advice, conduct reviews and make recommendations to the NSW government on agricultural matters, including productivity, land use conflict and food security.
Commissioner Stone has over 40 years of experience across primary industries, equipping her to provide informed advice to the state government on future proofing the agricultural industry.
This experience has included 25 years as a farmer, policy experience across land, natural resources, forestry, heritage and wildlife roles, along with experience in disaster resilience, response and recovery having led the codesign process for the Disaster Wise Communities Network.
As agriculture commissioner, Stone will serve an initial three-year term with work to include:
Assisting the NSW government in developing an ongoing system for defining, identifying, and mapping agricultural lands throughout the state
Progressing the pilot of a Farm Practices Panel, which will look at ways to reduce conflict between agricultural producers and neighbours on a broader scale
Providing input and advice to address challenges related to critical renewable energy infrastructure to support energy transition and the impact it can have on landholders
Promoting a coordinated and collaborative approach across the federal government, the NSW government and local government in relation to agricultural matters
Work with the Net Zero Commissioner promoting a cohesive approach to policy making.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our state, and my role is to collaborate with government, landowners and industry leaders to drive tangible, on-the-ground outcomes and practices to ensure NSW has a strong and prosperous agriculture sector,” Stone says.
“NSW’s primary industries sector is one of the most diverse in the country, with a wide range of agricultural commodities and farming systems. While this presents challenges, it also creates valuable opportunities for growth and innovation.”
Stone adds one of her key priorities will be to help the government to protect and support agricultural land, ensuring productivity remains on the government’s agenda.
Stone has previously served on the NSW government’s cornerstone Regional Advisory Council, the Victorian Fisheries Co-Management Council and the federal government’s Forest Industry Advisory Council.