Farmers unity wins the war on research

The New South Wales Farmers’ Association is claiming a major victory today following an announcement that agricultural research stations around the state will remain open.

Association President, Mal Peters, joined Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald in Sydney this morning to make the announcement that the NSW farming community had been working so hard for over the last 3 months.

“We drew a line in the sand and I am pleased that commonsense has prevailed to see a positive and productive future for agricultural research in NSW.

“Today's announcement shows what can happen when farmers come together to form a   united voice under the NSW Farmers’ Association.

Mr Peters has congratulated the Minister on his decision to retain the Gosford, Grafton, Deniliquin, Temora, and Trangie research stations.

“The Minister has shown he is serious about research in this state and I am pleased to see that he is looking at this from a local level.

“Farmers around the state can now be assured that vital research relating to their climate type and soils will be carried out to benefit their own operations.”

The NSW Farmers’ Association proposed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which the Minister for Primary Industries, the Public Service Association, local farmer groups and the Association signed this morning to make sure the capability of the research stations are maximised.

“This will ensure that the hard earned dollars that farmers pay into research and development organisations hits the ground where it’s needed.

“The Association’s members and staff have put in an enormous amount of work to present sensible solutions to the Minister and today they can see the result of their efforts.

“Agriculture is the engine room of NSW that contributes $10 billion to the state’s economy. Agriculture is the lifeblood of regional communities," Mr Peters concluded.

The Association will continue to work with its members to provide the government with solutions for the Wollongbar site.