Sustainable Agriculture

The Greens believe the long-term sustainability of agriculture is essential to New South Wales’ social, economic and environmental sustainability.  However, ecological degradation, resource depletion and the reduced value for and awareness of agriculture in our community threatens our food security and the viability and vitality of many of our rural and regional areas. 

In order to meet the challenges of the future it is imperative that the value of agriculture is recognised and that agricultural practices which are ecologically sound, integrated into the wider bioregional landscape, encourage diversity and are not dependent on chemical inputs are supported and developed.

While farming practices in some parts of NSW are beginning to reflect the need for more ecologically sensitive approaches to land management, there remain serious issues which need to be addressed.  These include soil degradation and erosion, declining water quality and availability, the lack of biodiversity and native vegetation in agricultural landscapes, the likely impacts of climate change and resource depletion, and the loss of genetic diversity in our agricultural crops.  

Encroachment by mining and urban development has removed some of our best land from production forever.

New South Wales also faces an aging farming population as young people are no longer attracted to an industry where it is increasingly difficult to remain economically viable in the face of limited market options, reduced returns and increasing costs.

The Greens NSW will work to ensure that:

1. Prime agricultural land is identified and protected from extractive industries and urban encroachment to secure the food security of New South Wales ;
2. Native vegetation and biodiversity are protected and restored in agricultural systems;
3. The likely impacts of climate change and resource scarcity on the sustainability of our current agricultural practices are identified and strategically managed;
4. There is increased investment in agricultural education and training
5. The dependence of agricultural systems on chemicals is reduced and chemicals which are harmful to environmental or human health are banned
6. A diversity of land use is encouraged and support is given to small scale and diversified farming operations
7. The quality of our water resources are secured and the efficiency of water use is improved in our agricultural systems;
8. The extent and impact of soil degradation is reduced and strategies are implemented to improve the management of our soil resource;
9. Land which is unsuitable for farming or of significant ecological value is protected and land-holders are adequately compensated.

For further details on the Greens NSW Rural Land Use Policy, click here.

For further details on the Australian Greens Agriculture Policy, click here.