Mr Turnbull visited the UNE’s innovative SMART Farm project with Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, and described Australian agriculture as being at “the cutting edge of innovation”.

Mr Joyce has spoken about the relocation of the APVMA. The farm pesticide watchdog is expected to relocate to Mr Joyce’s electorate next year.

Mr Joyce ordered the move in November despite considerable pushback from public servants in the Canberra-based government agency.

"Staff who may be concerned about moving to Armidale should know we will work in partnership with the committee to ensure the smoothest transition possible," Mr Joyce said in November.

"Armidale has NBN, excellent cafes, art galleries, a university, cathedrals, quality health services, small bars, quality schools and a welcoming community.”

In a cost-benefit analysis, the move was found to have it’s fair share of pros and cons, with only 15.2 percent of staff willing to follow the organisation to Armidale.

Nevertheless, the plan has garnered support from varying sectors, including from Australian celebrity gardener Don Bourke. 

COMMENT: We can appreciate that is will not be convenient for every employee of the agency to be moved to a new location, and the economic benefit to the Australian economy is only modest. But as has been demonstrated, the benefit to Armidale will be huge, with job creation and a diversifying economy. Read on.

Journalist Matt Bedford is tracking the Prime Minister on his visit to Armidale today.

Mr Turnbull is touring UNE’s SMART Farm with Deputy PM and Member for New England Barnaby Joyce: