The NSW government announced new legislation on Tuesday that provides for penalties of up to three years' jail and up to $22,000 in fines for people caught trespassing on farms.

Existing penalties only provided for fines of up to $5500.

In addition, a new offence will be created for inciting or causing a trespass.

The legislation will also establish a new defence in law for farmers going about legal practices.

That means farmers would be protected against "nuisance claims" whereby people might object to existing activities on farmland such as trucks moving chickens or spray rigs spraying crops.

The move comes after a website was launched earlier in the year that identifies more than 5700 farms across Australia, including dozens across the Riverina, on an interactive map.

The map lists addresses and contact details for farms, horse studs, racetracks and abattoirs, along with the ability for activists to upload pictures and videos, prompting fears it could provoke break-ins and sabotage.

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Then in April, abattoirs from Goulburn to Melbourne were invaded in a day of animal activist protests.

Riverina farmer Rob Hart wholeheartedly welcomed the move from the government.

"In reality, I am for anything that makes it easier and safer to be a farmer," he said.

"I am very against people illegally entering feedlots and property and then putting together a story of an isolated incident that creates media attention that downgrades the quality of the work that farmers do."

Mr Hart said biosecurity is crucial.

"Those people who think they are doing a good thing, they are placing the animals at risk," he said.

"They could be potentially be bringing in diseases from other areas."

Riverina farmer John Higginson said it was about time the laws came into effect, especially after the break-ins at Goulburn.

"Biosecurity is a big issue whenever they enter these farms," he said.

"They are not concerned about that.

"They are pushing their own agenda."

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the bill would help address increasing attacks on farming families in communities.

"The people of NSW have had a gutful of vile attacks against our farming families," he said.

"This legislation is all about sending the clearest possible message: enough is enough.

"We are telling our farmers today 'we value the work you do, and we will protect you and your families from these criminals."