FARMERS will be protected from "vexatious and often simply ridiculous nuisance claims" through the Right to Farm Bill 2019, Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall said.
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The bill being introduced to state parliament on Tuesday was "an historic day" for farmers and the agricultural sector, according to Mr Marshall.
"Not only does this bill introduce the toughest suite of trespass laws in Australia, it is also the first time that a farmer's right to farm will be embedded in our laws," he said.
"We are delivering on our election commitment to step up and protect farmers from vegan vigilantes, illegal hunters and extremist activities that are designed to alienate farmers from those that live in the city, damaging our farmers and confusing consumers ...
"Other industries for decades have enjoyed specific protections and legislative defences in our laws, and yet farmers have been consistently overlooked. No longer will this be the case."
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It comes within a week of changes to the Criminal Code Act 1995, passed through federal parliament, which brings in two new offences related to inciting trespassing and other offences on agricultural land.
Publishing anything, including online, that encourages people to trespass on, damage or steal from farm land could lead to five years in jail.
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said it would protect farmers from people, essentially, breaking into their business.
"Farmers are sick of being bullied by zealots who believe their views trump your rights," Mr Joyce said.
"The Coalition government is serious about deterring those who want to disrupt and intimidate our family farmers in their homes and on their properties."
Warning signs
Mr Marshall said farmers had snapped up more than 33,000 free warning signs since the state government introduced new anti-trespass and biosecurity laws to keep unauthorised people off farms.
"DPI [the Department of Primary Industries], LLS [Local Land Services] and the police are reporting that they can barely keep up with demand," he said.
"[They help] give farmers more protection from trespass by ensuring their biosecurity management plans are not just a piece of paper in their drawer, but are actually obeyed by anyone wanting to come onto a property."
Mr Marshall said the average farm needed two signs, which meant easily more than 10,000 farmers had requested them.
Many more were downloading the electronic file to have the signs printed.
"Farmers were crying out for protection from the unhindered vigilante behavior they have endured the past few years, and this is just the first part of my plans for people who will use any means and any justification to crush our farmers," Mr Marshall said.
