Deputy premier John Barilaro launched the Independent Brewers Action Plan at the Beers to the Bush Festival at the weekend. It's primary goal is to help grow the industry, therefore creating jobs.

The action plan aims to help the industry grow by looking to identify and mitigate skills gaps and workforce issues. It will also develop and diversify skills pathways, help breweries with the promotion of their tourism experiences and support the development of technical capabilities and business acumen.

About 165 independent breweries operate in NSW and two-thirds of those are in regional and rural areas. The breweries employ about 3300 people.

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Mr Barilaro, who is also the Minister for Regional NSW, Industry and Trade, said the number of people employed by breweries in the state was expected to rise to more than 6000 within the next five years.

"During a time of unprecedented drought it is amazing to see an industry growing that is able to provide a stimulus to regional economies as well as showcase the innovative and high quality products regional NSW is famous for," he said.

"Independent brewers produce a premium product and we need to support them to succeed domestically as well as crack international markets. That's where the Action Plan comes in, to facilitate food, wine and ale trail experiences as well as export ready tourism experiences.

"We want to give our independent brewers the chance to expand and make their business dreams an ice-cold, refreshing reality."

The action plan has been developed in collaboration with the Independent Brewers Association.

Independent Brewers Association chairman and Wayward Brewing Company founder Peter Phillip commended the government for developing the Independent Brewers Action Plan.

"This plan provides real, actionable steps to help the industry grow which will create jobs, many of which are in small towns all over NSW," he said.