Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has welcomed the NSW Government’s $43.5 million investment to support the State’s agricultural research through the world-class Food and Fibre Program.
Mr Saunders said the funding will be a big boost to primary industries and in turn help our region’s primary producers grow their businesses.
“Our agriculture industry is vital to the overall success of the NSW economy and advanced research and development underpins that,” he said.
“This $43.5 million investment will ensure we continue to lead the way in research to boost primary industry productivity and protect our stock, crops and human health – building safer and stronger regions, including right here in the Dubbo electorate.
“I am proud we can provide such a significant boost for our world-class scientists and also keep valuable jobs in the region and right across NSW, to contribute to a healthy economy.”
Mr Saunders said this investment will see the total funding for the NSW Government’s Food and Fibre Program reach close to $100 million.
“Over the next two years we are committed to seeing our agriculture sector grow from an almost $16 billion industry to more than $19 billion with more than 150,000 direct and indirect jobs,” he said.
“This $43.5 million investment is pivotal in ensuring we achieve this goal, while also strengthening our defenses against exotic diseases and delivering critical infrastructure for our food and fibre sector.
The NSW Government’s Department of Primary Industries is ranked in the top one per cent of research organisations around the globe and works closely and collaboratively with industry and public and private organisations.
More information is available on the NSW Government’s World-Class Food and Fibre Program through the NSW DPI website.