Food security has topped the agenda at the opening of the 2026 NSW Farmers Conference, with delegates voting to advocate for government and industry policies that strengthen Australia’s domestic fuel and fertiliser production capacity.
Supply constraints affecting two critical inputs for food and fibre production this year have delivered a major economic shock to farmers across NSW, with impacts comparable to those of the state’s most severe natural disasters.
Urea prices rose by more than 90 per cent following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in February, while the lack of Australian-made fertiliser forced grain and vegetable growers to reduce winter plantings.
Former NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said the conflict in the Middle East had exposed Australia’s vulnerability to disruptions in fuel and fertiliser supplies.
“Australian agriculture almost completely relies on imported fuel and fertiliser, leaving producers exposed to global supply disruptions and price volatility,” Martin said.
“These pressures flow directly to farm input costs, freight, and overall profitability, compounded by Australia’s limited domestic refining capacity and reliance on imported fertiliser.”
“We need strategic investment to build greater domestic capacity to make a stronger farming future.”
“Strengthening domestic fuel and fertiliser production would improve supply security, reduce exposure to global shocks, and support more stable and affordable food supply.”
Delegates also heard from fuel and fertiliser industry experts during a pre-conference forum on food, fuel and fertiliser security, where speakers highlighted the need for greater investment in storage infrastructure to improve national self-sufficiency.
NSW Farmers has proposed time-limited tax relief to help reduce extraordinary cost pressures and encourage investment in on-farm storage and efficiency measures.
The organisation has also called on the Commonwealth to extend and expand the instant asset write-off beyond June 2026 to support investment in storage infrastructure and the adoption of fuel and fertiliser efficiency technology.
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