A campaign by the Lightning Ridge Miners' Association is claiming the opal mining industry, which operates on privately held farm land, should not have to comply with modern environmental standards or stump up for the cost their activities impose on landholders.

NSW Farmers' chief executive officer, Matt Brand, said his organisation's support for better regulation was not aimed at stopping the growth of the industry.

"We recognise the important role the opal mining industry plays in the economy and character of Lightning Ridge, however it's time for the gold rush mentality to make way for modern regulation," Mr Brand said.

"The fact is the rules around land access, rehabilitation and compensation have broken down and are no longer serving farmers or miners.

"NSW Farmers isn't seeking to limit the growth of the industry - we simply want to ensure that regulations are appropriate, enforced and allow both industries to prosper.

"The reality is that we are both running a business on the same piece of land.

"It's an unusual situation and not an easy relationship. Unless we get on the front foot and make changes now we'll be here having this same conversation in 10 years' time.

"That doesn't deliver certainty for agriculture or opal mining."

He said the farmer lobby organisation was calling on all stakeholders to take an evidence-based approach rather than resorting to hyperbole.