PLANS by a senior government senator to review all agricultural levies are counterproductive, says a leading Tasmanian cropper.
NSW Liberal Senator Bill Heffernan has moved for an Upper House inquiry into how levies are collected and used.
It follows a push by crossbench Senator David Leyonhjelm to stop increases in the levies paid by mushroom, onion and mango growers.
The Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee has been asked to inquire into the industry structures and systems governing the disbursement of marketing and research and development levies.
But Tasmanian onion, carrot and vegetable grower Mike Badcock says he can't see any point in the inquiry.
"That's a massive ask, and I don't think any good purpose will come out of it; I think industry has been evolving well with the research and development levy and anything that puts our levy at risk, is a real danger," Mr Badcock said.
"I don't know what Senator Heffernan is trying to achieve with an inquiry, it will only stir things up."
He said the levy had resulted in research which brought about safer products, through integrated pest management and reduction in the use of chemicals.
"I wish these individuals would come out on the farm and see what is really happening, talk to real farmers and then make a decision."
Onions Australia chief executive Lechelle Earl said her group welcomed the inquiry and was happy to help, but hoped common sense prevailed.
"It doesn't make any sense," Ms Earl said.
Onions Australia had received statutory declarations from three quarters of all producers, supporting the levy, she said.
Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers chief executive Jan Davis said the Senate review was a move to appease crossbench NSW Liberal Democrat Senator David Leyonhjelm.
Ms Davis said the levies were instituted by farmers, who recognised the need to invest in their industries for the benefit of all.
"They were instituted by farmers who recognised the need to invest in their industries for the benefit of all levy payers," Ms Davis said.
"They followed extensive and comprehensive industry consultation processes."
Ms Davis said the levy system was the envy of farmers across the world, enabling farm businesses to become world leaders in production efficiency, sustainability, product quality and innovation.
"TFGA strongly supports the continuation of our agricultural levy system; and we have been disappointed at the political machinations during the past few weeks that have clearly put that system at risk," Ms Davis said.