Which crops are important to agriculture in New South Wales?

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Agriculture is a vital component of the economy in New South Wales, practiced across the state with the exception of the western third. The following crops are significant to the region's agricultural output:1

  • Grains: Wheat is the primary crop, occupying about three-fifths of the state's total acreage under crops. Other important grains include rice, corn, oats, sorghum, and millet.1
  • Fruits and Vegetables: Farmers grow a variety of produce, including citrus fruits, pome fruits (such as apples and pears), and potatoes.1
  • Viticulture: New South Wales has a well-established wine industry, with production centered in areas like the Hunter Valley. The cultivation of wine grapes has expanded significantly across the state, earning increasing international recognition.1
  • Industrial and Specialty Crops: Cotton production has grown rapidly in irrigated regions, and sugarcane is cultivated in the state's northern coastal districts. Additionally, alfalfa (lucerne) is grown as a fodder crop.12

Farmers in New South Wales have increasingly focused on advanced breeding and selection techniques to improve yields and have emphasized "green" agricultural practices to appeal to international markets.1