The state’s peak farming group says the new NSW Nature Strategy must not be used to restrict food and fibre production.

Farmers were fearful last year’s review of the Biodiversity Conservation Act by former public servant Ken Henry would lead to unworkable environmental policies that would undermine productivity and leave unmanaged and degraded landscapes in its wake.

NSW Farmers Board Member Oscar Pearse says the drastic changes proposed for limiting the use of the Land Management Code will drive farmers away from cooperation with conservation and natural capital markets while they try to survive on their land, which is precisely the wrong signal to send.

Mr Pearse says this issue would likely get a lot of attention at next week’s NSW Farmers Annual Conference, where Environment Minister Penny Sharpe was set to speak adding they need NSW Farmers members to understand the implications this will have on their farms and give them feedback so they can steer the government in the right direction