NSW Government's Sydney vegetable farm could close

The NSW Farmers Association says the Department of Primary Industries is mothballing its vegetable farm near Richmond in the Sydney basin.

The Field Vegetable Demonstration site was set up five years ago to help growers from different cultural backgrounds develop better crops.

Peter Darley, from NSW Farmers, says it's been made aware that the lease on the site will not be renewed and the equipment will be put into storage.

"Those growers have been put out to pasture now," he said.

"They've got to do their own research work now themselves on their own farm.

"They may have a product of vegetable that develops that may or may not be suitable for the basin area and for them it will cost them money if that is not successful."

The Department of Primary Industries says it hopes the closure is only temporary.

It's hopeful another Government department such as the Catchment Management Authority or the new Local Land Services can take up the lease one day.

Its deputy director general Michael Bullen says it's in discussions at the moment.

"All I'm saying is that we are in discussions," he said.

"There was a 5+5 arrangement that expires at the end of this year.

"It's on the University of Western Sydney's land and we are working with the to see how we can move forward."

Source: ABC News, 2 August 2013