Agriculture secures powerful allies in the urban and industrial world, and is integrated into the residential and industrial fabric. Agriculture is viewed as an integral part of a total sustainable system, delivering benefits to the urban population through its part in waste recycling, efficient and fresh food production and through its amenity and education values. It is no longer an optional activity at the periphery, but an essential activity right through the landuse and social fabric. In the Middle and Upper Blackwood In broadacre areas, agriculture is responsive to changes in world demand and has the ability to meet these needs. Beef production moves inland from the Coastal Plain.
Farms are larger, yields higher and production decisions are information-driven.
There are pockets of new agriculture ventures, particularly aquaculture, and a little downstream processing. Many farmers make the transition to running their business in this way, and others leave the sector. Community attitudes are mobilised in support of agriculture, because of the economic and amenity benefits. The broader community and hence the planning system gives agriculture more support. The South West is acknowledged as an important agricultural region.