A former head of the NSW farming lobby's youth arm has warned the agriculture industry risks reputation damage akin to that suffered after the live cattle exports scandal if the state government proceeds with controversial new land clearing laws.

Josh Gilbert, who quit as the chairman of NSW Young Farmers last month, says proposed laws which shift land clearing rules towards self regulation meant "Australian agricultural branding is at huge risk."

Josh Gilbert, pictured here with fellow farmer Anika Molesworth, has warned land clearing laws may damage the agriculture industry's reputation. Credit:Lisa Maree Williams

"Perceptions are reality and having farmers being able to self-assess whether it's good practice to knock down certain trees – even with clear industry guidelines – we know that those aren't always followed," he said.

"The live [cattle] export issue that we saw was one example. There were several isolated incidents that led to a huge overnight stoppage of one sector."