National Farmers' Federation president Fiona Simson hosted new Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud at the federation's Canberra headquarters to discuss the priority issues for the sector.

"As the peak body for Australian farming, the NFF represents 31 members including state farming, commodity, agribusiness and special interest groups,” Ms Simson said.

"On behalf of farmers, we valued the chance to have a lengthy sit-down with the minister so early in the new year.”

The NFF president said big ticket items were on the agricultural agenda for 2018.

"Issues like energy, water, land-use management, trade and market access, labour, telecommunications, digital connectivity and the opportunities of 'ag-tech' need to be progressed by government and industry if agriculture is to continue to grow and prosper,” she said.

Ms Simson said the NFF had a goal for agriculture to be a $100 billion industry by 2030 - a 67percent increase on the 2016-2017 production value of $60 billion.

"Our discussion with the minister centred on this ambitious, but we believe, achievable objective,” she said.

"In particular we took the opportunity to reiterate the need to shore up the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

"During 2017, the plan came under warranted scrutiny and processes are now in train to address the areas of concern raised.

"It is absolutely crucial that these processes are allowed to run their course and that, in the meantime, all basin jurisdictions work together.

"Farmers, regional communities and the environment deserve no less.

"The NFF looks forward to working with Minister Littleproud in 2018 and beyond.”