Grain industry drives growth in agriculture: Brendan Moylan

New data shows Australia’s cropping sector continues to be a major driver of national agricultural growth, with industry figures pointing to record production levels and strong long-term export gains.

According to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), cereal grains made up 17 per cent of total agricultural production in 2024–25, second only to cattle and calves at 19 per cent. Export volumes have also increased by an average of around nine per cent a year over the past two decades.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture, and Member for Northern Tablelands, Brendan Moylan said the figures highlight the strength and resilience of the cropping industry and its contribution to the broader economy.

“The ABARES report shows the hard work and resilience of our farmers to stay competitive in tough global markets,” Mr Moylan said.

He noted that the broader agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector surpassed $100 billion in value in 2024–25, describing it as a milestone built on sustained productivity growth over the past 20 years.

Australia’s winter crop production in 2025–26 was the second largest on record, reflecting what Mr Moylan described as the industry’s capacity to perform despite global market pressures and seasonal challenges.

“Cereal growers are delivering record outputs, supporting regional jobs, and driving the economy,” he said.

However, Mr Moylan also used the latest data to criticise the NSW Government, arguing that farmers remain constrained by excessive regulation and insufficient drought support.

“Farmers are still burdened with unnecessary red and green tape, and support for growers experiencing ongoing drought is nowhere near the level needed to sustain this growth,” he said.

He called for further measures to reduce bureaucratic barriers and increase practical support for producers, particularly in regional areas where agriculture underpins employment and local economies.

Mr Moylan congratulated those working across the state’s agriculture industry, saying their efforts continue to power regional communities and position agriculture as a cornerstone of the NSW economy into the future.