Farmland within the Western Sydney Parklands will be rejuvenated, creating 100 jobs and providing up to $45 million of investment, NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell says.

Mr O’Farrell released the Horsley Park Urban Farming Master Plan on Sunday, which will see 159 hectares of existing farmland within the Western Sydney Parklands set aside exclusively for glasshouses, greenhouses, market gardens and orchards.

Under the plan, 11 farm lots will be leased ranging in size from five to 31 hectares.

“The farming boost will see 100 agricultural jobs created in Western Sydney and up to $45 million of public and private investment in the local economy over the next 10 years,” Mr O’Farrell said in a statement.

“It’s also great for the environment because the plan will result in more food being grown in western Sydney reducing the food miles needed to transport fresh produce from the farm gate to dinner plates in the city’s west.

“The Horsley Park farming precinct will become a popular tourist destination with a new farm gate trail created, allowing consumers to buy fresh produce directly from the people who grew it.”

Environment minister Robyn Parker said the 159 hectares of existing farmland included as part of this plan is made up entirely of underutilised land.