NSW DPI unwraps birthday present

The official opening of new headquarters in Orange is an apt present for the Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) 130th birthday year. 

NSW Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall cut the ribbon today, marking the end of a move west from the Sydney CBD to Orange that started 27 years ago. 

“NSW Farmers also has roots going back 130 years and over that time, the DPI has become a trusted partner in farming in NSW,” NSW Farmers President James Jackson said. 

“NSW Farmers has always been a strong supporter of an independent DPI with facilities and services based in the region.” 

“The Department’s core business is farming and primary production, so it is entirely appropriate that it is based in a regional centre. I would acknowledge former Agriculture Minister Ian Armstrong for starting the decentralisation process and hence the new headquarters has been named in his honour."

The NSW DPI, originally known as the Department of Agriculture, was founded in 1890. Its research began with trials of 200 wheat varieties planted in Wagga Wagga, leading to the first specifically Australian wheat variety that enabled rapid expansion of wheat growing in Australia.

It has since added horticulture, forestry, aquaculture and biosecurity to its ranks of applied research and policy development. 

“The DPI today has an incredibly diverse role,” Mr Jackson said. “There is the real time application of new technologies to farm enterprises through the Smart Farms project and they have led collaboration across a changing landscape by establishing the Rural Women’s Network and the Young Farmers Business Program.”   

“In recent years DPI have developed tools, advice and services to prepare for and recover from droughts and natural disasters.”

“We look forward to continuing our trusted relationship with the DPI for at least another 130 years.”

Date: Tuesday, 3 November 2020
Media Contact:  Michael Burt  | 0428 228 988 | [email protected]