The aim is to boost rural research and development throughout southern NSW. 

Member for Wagga Daryl Maguire said the investment includes $1.7 million to improve access to government services for customers and the primary industries sector at Wagga. 

This was in addition to $7.8 million for  genome technology to double productivity gains for plant and livestock industries at Wagga, Menangle and Tamworth and $450,000 to improve pest insect and weed diagnostics capability at Wagga and Orange.

He said Wagga would also share in $6.8 million to improve NSW Department of Primary Industries research facilities, equipment and safety statewide, and $6 million to improve biosecurity emergency management to protect primary industries and our environment.

“At a time when our farmers are dealing with a cold, dry winter it is encouraging to see the NSW Government continue to back our farmers by investing in the future of agriculture.”

Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair said the State’s 26,000 farms and rural and regional communities from one end of the state to the other would benefit from this investment.

“This Budget commitment into research and development capability is critical for NSW to remain competitive with international markets,” Mr Blair said.

“We are sending a clear signal to our farmers and the farming sector, who are enduring a cold, dry winter, that we are committed to seeing these times through and continuing the sector’s growth. 

“This investment will ensure that we look after our farmers not just now, but well into the future and for many generations to come.” 

The NSW Department of Primary Industries is ranked in the top one per cent of research organisations globally in the fields of agricultural and plant and animal science.

The $50 million investment, which includes a $40 million reservation from the Government’s Restart NSW infrastructure fund, will go towards: