Relics from the birthplace of Australian agriculture

An archaeological test excavation is underway at Belgenny Farm at Camden on Sydney"e;s outskirts this week, which could uncover significant relics of the birthplace of Australian agriculture.

The week-long dig is underway at the site of the "e;small miserable hut"e;, which is thought to be the first building the Macarthur family called home.

"John and Elizabeth Macarthur are generally regarded as Australia"e;s first farmers, they were pioneers of agriculture in this country and they settled on land at Camden Estate in 1810," NSW Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said.

"The Macarthur"e;s established Merino wool production, wheat growing, dairying, horticulture, and the first commercial vineyard and winery in Australia, so this dig is incredibly important to the history of Australian agriculture.