President John Cotter said the Government's discussion paper into how to manage key food producing land was encouraging for farmers who have been impacted by mining and gas developments.

“AgForce has long advocated the importance of these iconic agricultural lands and we continue to lead the focus to ensure the security of food production is not undermined by detrimental planning policies such as mining or urban encroachment,” Mr Cotter said.

The discussion paper covers four key area: the definition and mapping of ‘strategic cropping land’; a new statutory planning instrument to guide decisions; possible amendments to resource sector legislation; and guidelines for assessing mining, urban development and other competing land uses.

“A review of resource legislation is a step forward to ensure strategic cropping land is considered in regional development, and is a sign the government has listened to us and is putting security of food supply on the agenda and into the minds of the community.

“Society is facing a global food shortage due to population increases, loss of land, climate change and water scarcity so it is imperative that these highly productive lands are not removed or reduced.”

Mr Cotter welcomed the government’s recognition that cropping land and the industries it supports make a significant contribution to the $22.7 billion agri-food industry and are a key regional employer.

“More than 80 percent of available land across Queensland is under some degree of mining tenure so the removal of the areas classified as strategic cropping land will have little impact to the resources sector.

“The agricultural industry is not asking for mining to be eliminated as we recognise the economic input it has to regional communities. Rather we are seeking security for farming land which, like the resources sector, provides jobs and a significant economic contribution but in addition can feed society forever if sustainably managed.”

AgForce will make a submission to the discussion paper and will work with other sectors of the industry and government to set a framework to identify and provide a level of consistent protection for Queensland's cropping regimes and lands.

Mr Cotter said AgForce expected to see a similar commitment from government to managing development in other key agricultural areas such as the Arcadia Valley and Central Queensland.