The NSW Farmers' Association is organising a rally in Canberra on Tuesday to support Peter Spencer, who went on a hunger strike for 52 days in protest at native vegetation laws.

Mr Spencer has been backed by National Party Senator Barnaby Joyce and endorsed by Opposition leader Tony Abbott.

Senator Joyce has arranged seats for Mr Spencer at question time on Tuesday but Mr Abbott is unlikely to meet the farmer, who received widespread attention for his protest.

His case has inflamed rural sentiment about what is seen as increasing government control over what farmers can and cannot do on their land.

Mr Spencer wants a royal commission into the native vegetation laws introduced to stop the destructive effects of land clearing.

Although there is no chance a commission will be set up, farmers still want an investigation into the laws, which they say prevent them clearing weeds and conducting hazard reduction.

Agriculture Minister Tony Burke said he recognised the issue of property rights had been simmering for more than a decade.

However, he will not attend Tuesday's rally, saying a more appropriate place for the issue to be investigated would be a Senate inquiry.

''I've always had a very firm view that when someone engages in self-harm, you don't tell them: 'You're a hero,''' Mr Burke said.

The only message that any politician should give in those circumstances was to stop, he said.

Mr Burke said he was concerned at the high rates of self-harm and suicide in rural areas.

''This is a real problem in the bush and is something that under no circumstances should any politician be involved in promoting,'' he said.

The minister said he was willing to meet association members after the rally.