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THE Victorian Farmers Federation says Jacinta Allan is the most capable Labor member to serve as the state's new Agriculture Minister.
VFF president Peter Tuohey said Ms Allan is his "preferred choice" as she is one of the few regional-based MPs in the Andrews Labor government.
Despite the endorsement, Mr Tuohey said the Member for Bendigo East needs to be completely across the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
"She understands some of the impacts it will have on irrigation, but doesn't have the knowledge of the plan at this stage," he said.
The new Andrews government is deciding cabinet positions after claiming victory in Saturday's election.
Ms Allan attended a VFF election forum on agriculture policy with previous Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh in Shepparton in October.
She served as the Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Rural Development and Regional Cities during the previous term of government. The portfolios became available after the retirement of Brumby government Agriculture Minister Joe Helper.
The VFF will push to have Water included in the Agriculture portfolio, instead of under Environment.
Mr Tuohey said the next Agriculture Minister should be across all water issues.
"If you get someone who doesn't understand the impact water policy has on irrigation, then it could be a problem," he said.
Mr Tuohey said the VFF will meet with the new Agriculture Minister as soon as possible to brief them on the issues in rural Victoria.
"Joe Helper wasn't too bad as Agriculture Minister, he certainly upskilled himself during the role," he said.
"It's up to the VFF to get in there and teach the new minister the issues."