NT Agriculture Revamped with Key Reforms
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is strengthening the Territory’s biosecurity and pastoral land regulations to safeguard key industries against evolving pest and disease threats.
Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Gerard Maley said the Agriculture Legislation Amendment Regulations 2025, which were gazetted and came into effect on Thursday, 22 May, demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors while ensuring alignment with national biosecurity standards.
“The CLP Government promised 2025 would be a year of action, certainty and security and we are delivering the reforms our industries need to thrive,” said Mr Maley.
“The Territory’s agriculture and fisheries industries contribute more than $1 billion to the economy and support 2,400 jobs, making them critical to our future prosperity.
“We have taken proactive steps to modernise regulations, protect industry from biosecurity risks, and create new opportunities for growth, and investment.”
Developed following targeted industry stakeholder consultation, the amendments include updates to the Livestock Regulations 2009 which strengthen the Territory’s biosecurity system, to respond to threats such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Lumpy Skin Disease and Varroa mite.
Additionally, changes to the Hemp Industry Regulations 2020 removes licensing barriers, allowing NT industrial hemp growers to produce crops for medicinal products, including cannabidiol oils.
Amendments to the Pastoral Land Regulations 1992 enables sub-leasing for scientific equipment and data facilities, while updates to the Plant Health Regulations 2011 clarifies treatment requirements for plants and fruit entering the NT.
“These reforms are about ensuring our industries remain competitive, resilient, and equipped to meet biosecurity challenges,” said Mr Maley.
“Improving the Territory’s livestock identification and tracking systems will help maintain market access and ensure the NT has strong emergency response capabilities in the event of a biosecurity incident.”
The amendments strengthen regulations on the movement of bees and beehives to protect the Territory’s emerging honeybee and agricultural pollination industries from the spread of Varroa mite.
Further reforms modernise regulations around the feeding of pigs to mitigate risks associated with diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease and African swine fever.
“The NT’s success depends on attracting investment, driving development, and making sure our top-quality products reach markets reliably, from property to plate,” said Mr Maley.
https://nt.gov.au/