The Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton has encouraged residents in Western New South Wales to make a contribution to the Government’s White Paper on Agricultural Competitiveness.

“Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce has decided to develop a White Paper on Agriculture so that we can seriously consider the future of the industry and how it can be improved,” said Mr Coulton.

The issues identified for consideration include access to finance, competitiveness through the value chain, reducing inefficient regulation, enhancing agricultural exports and managing drought in the long term.

Mr Coulton said that there needed to be a two stage approach in dealing with issues in the agricultural industry in Australia.

“First and foremost is the consideration of the current conditions. The Prime Minister and Barnaby Joyce are both very aware of the difficulties facing farmers in this drought, especially after their visit to Bourke on the weekend,” said Mr Coulton.

“A drought package is now under active consideration by the Prime Minister, with more to come on this topic over the next week.”

“The second stage that needs to be addressed is the future of the industry, and what we can do now to set Australian agriculture up for the future.”

“I would encourage anyone who has an interest in the future of primary industries to make a contribution to the White Paper.”

“The Agricultural Competitiveness Taskforce will be in Tamworth on 24^th/25^th February and Dubbo on 26^th February. This offers a great chance to give an opinion on how the industry could be improved.”

More information about making a submission or attending a public consultation is available at www.agriculturalcompetitiveness.dpmc.gov.au.