Mr Schmidt will tour the Smart Farm at UNE before taking tea at Saumarez Station.

The visit is part of the annual meeting of the Agricultural Industry Advisory Council being held in Armidale. The meeting draws together industry and government leaders to discuss key agricultural issues of significance to the nation as well as the local area. 

“As well as face-to-face discussions, council members will tour a local tomato farm, observe the latest farming technologies in action at the University of New England’s SMART farm and examine recruitment tools and techniques the university uses to attract prospective agriculture students,” Mr Joyce said.

Topics to be discussed include  temporary 457 visas for sponsored farm workers, country of origin Labelling and the National Water Infrastructure and Development Fund.

The advisory council was established by the government in January, 2014 to provide advice on issues affecting the 204,000 Australians employed in agricultural industries. 

The next meeting is scheduled for August. Council members come together from every state and the Northern Territory and represent a broad cross-section of the agricultural sector including horticulture, grains, dairy, sheep, beef cattle, fisheries and forestry.

Mr Joyce said he was delighted to showcase the New England. The event will conclude with a dinner tonight at the Powerhouse Motel in Marsh Street.