Farm-worker housing, better access to farmland and small-scale abattoirs have emerged as priorities in a Byron Council survey examining how to support local agriculture.
The findings will help shape a replacement for council’s Agriculture Action Plan 2020–2025, with respondents identifying rising costs and uncertain returns as major challenges for farming businesses.
A report going before the Biodiversity and Agricultural Advisory Committee tomorrow, Thursday, October 29, outlines feedback from 69 respondents.
More than half described themselves as involved in some form of farming. The survey ran from July 27 to August 30.
‘Rising input costs and uncertain financial returns were identified as the main issues affecting farming enterprises,’ the staff report states.
Access to farmland, succession planning and opportunities for young farmers were among five priorities identified through the consultation, including the need for farm-worker housing.
Respondents also sought planning rules better suited to small farms and more flexible land use, alongside support for local food production and regional food security.
Local processing facilities were another focus, including micro-abattoirs and food hubs that could support businesses producing and selling food locally.
The survey summary says ‘micro-abattoirs were the most commonly nominated infrastructure requirement’, reflecting concerns about processing capacity and market access.
It also identifies demand for shared storage, distribution and processing facilities to help farmers get produce to market.
Education and support for regenerative agriculture, soil health and biodiversity formed another priority, including mentoring between farmers and financial incentives.
The findings are scheduled to inform a stakeholder workshop today (Wednesday, October 28).
A facilitator’s report will follow the workshop and feed into an updated Agriculture Action Plan, expected before council in mid-2027.
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