Newly appointed NSW Agriculture Commissioner Alison Stone has held an initial meeting with Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay to discuss priorities for the agriculture sector and issues affecting cotton growers.

Ms Stone has worked in primary industries for more than 40 years and has been a livestock producer for 25 years. In her role as Commissioner, she will provide advice across all levels of government on how to support the state’s agriculture sector to improve productivity, pursue new opportunities and respond to challenges.

Her initial work will focus on four priority areas:

1. Farm Practices Panel
2. Agricultural Land Use Mapping
3. Renewable Energy
4. Coordination and Collaboration Across Government

Cotton Australia raised a number of concerns during the meeting, including the impacts of water buybacks, spray drift on cotton, and the need for a community benefit scheme in regions hosting renewable energy developments.

Cotton Australia looks forward to ongoing engagement with Commissioner Stone.