The NSW Nationals have ramped up calls for the Minns Labor Government to urgently implement a strategy to support the agricultural sector amid the rapidly escalating fertiliser crisis.
The state’s entire food chain is under enormous threat with price hikes and limited supply due to war-related supply disruptions, but the Minns Labor Government and the NSW Minister for Agriculture are nowhere to be seen.
Last month, Shadow Minister for Agriculture Brendan Moylan urged the Minns Labor Government to secure supply of fuel and fertiliser for farmers and regional communities, but his calls fell on deaf ears.
“The fertiliser shortage is a huge problem for our grain growers across NSW, yet Tara Moriarty and the Minns Labor Government have been silent on what they are doing to help,” Mr Moylan said.
“When growers cut fertiliser rates, yields inevitably fall. That means less grain, less feed for livestock, and ultimately higher costs flowing through the entire food chain.
“So far there’s been no action, no strategy and no financial or logistical support made available to farmers who are not only struggling with sourcing fertiliser but drought as well.”
Mr Moylan added If growers cannot access fertiliser at affordable prices, production will fall. It’s as simple as that.
“And when production falls, everyone pays the price.”
NSW Nationals Leader and Shadow Minister for Regional NSW Gurmesh Singh said right now farmers are facing serious uncertainty.
“Farms, orchards, and vineyards all need fertilisers to keep their plants fed, and the state fed, as we move through the cooler months into spring,” Mr Singh said.
“Some fertilisers have already run out with no new supplies on the horizon. Tara Moriarty and the Minns Labor Government must treat fertiliser supply with the same seriousness as fuel and energy security.
“In a cost-of-living crisis, the last thing we need is more expensive fresh food.”
