The commission released a draft report on Friday, July 22 regarding farming regulations in Australia. 

Commissioner Paul Lindwall said farmers were straining under the heavy burden of unfair and unjustified regulations from land acquisition to marketing. 

“They face complex regulations at every stage of the supply chain,” he said. 

These regulations are imposed by local, state and federal governments and have resulted in duplication, inconsistency and redundancy. 

“This should be addressed promptly,” Mr Lindwall said. 

The Commission is also calling for regulation to be backed by evidence.

“Some regulation is simply not supported… such as bans on genetically modified crops and the recent tightening of the foreign investment regime for agriculture,” he said.  

“These regulations are not in the public interest and should be unwound.”

Mr Lindwall said farm animal welfare standards also needed to be addressed and reflect community values.

The commission recommended a national, independent body be created to develop nationally-consistent animal welfare standards on farm.

Commissioner Ken Baxter said native vegetation and biodiversity conservation regulations also need improving.

“Conservation of the natural environment is important to the community, but regulations must give due weight to economic and social factors, and be proportionate to the risks posed,” he said.

Those wishing to contribute to the draft can make submissions through the Productivity Commission website.

Public hearings will be held later in August.