RECENTLY appointed State Shadow Minister for Agriculture Adrian Pederick says his farming background and past experience with the River Murray and climate change will benefit him greatly when working with Opposition leader Martin Hamilton-Smith on the front bench.

"I was a parliamentary secretary for the river, climate change and sustainability and my new appointment gives me direct responsibility for those roles as a shadow minister. I also pick up the role of agriculture, food, fisheries and forests," he said.

A fifth generation farmer from Coomandook, Mr Pederick said sustainable dryland and irrigated agriculture was his main focus, particularly ensuring farming has minimal impact on the environment.

"Agriculture certainly has its challenges at the moment, with some crops dying and the high price of inputs," he said.

"In the future, I also want to make sure the emissions trading scheme will not have a negative impact on farming.

"ETS is going to make it pretty tough throughout the economy and agriculture has been facing a lot of tough issues currently. It won't get easier but it can be managed. I aim to make sure farmers get an even break in moving forward."

Mr Pederick said he would also like to see better grain marketing and an increase in competition.

As part of the reshuffle, Member for Finniss Michael Pengilly will become Opposition parliamentary secretary on veteran's affairs and the southern suburbs.

The moves come as new Federal Opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull announced his front bench on Monday.

* Extract from a full report in Stock Journal, September 25 issue.