Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall, who made the announcement in Coffs Harbour this morning, said establishing an agriculture commissioner was an important step in delivering the protections and policies our farmers need to grow and thrive.

The commissioner will advocate on behalf of the state's primary producers and will work with stakeholders to understand barriers to the future success and viability of agriculture in NSW as well as reviewing the NSW Government's Right to Farm Policy.

They will also be tasked with investigating how land use conflict with primary producers can be mitigated and better managed.

"This government has already introduced the toughest penalties in the nation for farm trespass and now we're focused on removing other impediments constraining primary production in NSW," Mr Marshall said.

Mr Marshall said Mr Quinlivan was well-regarded in the sector having served as the Secretary of the Commonwealth Agriculture Department as well as heading up the Productivity Commission.

"His wealth of experience will be critical in driving growth in our state's $16 billion primary industries sector," Mr Marshall said.

Mr Quinlivan has held a number of senior roles in the Australian Public Service, working closely on agriculture and food trade related issues.

He recently served as Secretary of the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture and Water Resources from 2015 to 2020 and was the Head of Office for the Commonwealth Productivity Commission from 2013-2015.

"My goal is to a see a stronger and more vibrant agricultural industry in NSW and I look forward to working closely with farmers to understand what they need to take the industry to the next level," Mr Quinlivan said.

NSW Farmers' president James Jackson said the agriculture commissioner was an important position the association had been advocating for to help resolve land use issues that had plagued agriculture for years.

"Inland rail, the expansion of blueberry industry on north coast, koalas and native veg laws are just some of the land use conflicts where the ag commissioner can step in and make business decisions easier in NSW," Mr Jackson said.

"Theses issues need to be headed off before they make the public domain and have a serious impact on ag.

"Daryl is somebody who is widely regarded in agriculture and we are looking forward to having a productive relationship with him."

Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh said the ag commissioner would be a strong voice for local farmers.

"Coffs Harbour is home to diverse agricultural operations and I look forward to working with the commissioner to back our farmers and ensure we have a vibrant industry into the future," Mr Singh said.