Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the NSW Government’s $28 million investment to bolster support for the region’s Farm Forestry producers.
The $28 million package will provide a funding boost to Local Land Services’ Farm Forestry Program to enhance on-ground education, training and support local producers to drive innovation and promote best practice.
Ms Cooke said Farm Forestry plays a key role in the local economy and this investment demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to the sector.
“This is a milestone investment for our state’s farm forestry sector, and local producers will benefit greatly,” Ms Cooke said.
“Producers will have greater access to the expert advice they need to improve the management of their forests, which will help them to sustainably grow their operations.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the funding boost follows the introduction of new Farm Forestry Codes of Practice earlier this year and provides increased support to farmers through enhanced education and training.
“This investment will fund a suite of programs and partnerships to facilitate and expand the development of the State’s sustainable Farm Forestry industry,” Mr Toole said.
“This is the largest investment in Farm Forestry in more than a decade, and it reflects the increasingly important role it will play in supporting our sustainable timber industry.”
Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the package will provide farmers with practical advice and support services to ensure forestry becomes a central part of on-farm planning.
“Farmers manage their forests for multiple values, by producing the goods and environmental services we all rely on,” Mr Saunders said.
“This investment will ensure farmers have the information they need to improve productivity and environmental outcomes on our Farm Forests for themselves and the whole community.”
Learn more about Farm Forestry at www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/private-native-forestry.
