SARDI GRADUATE ACCESS PROGRAM

In reply to Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (1 July 2013).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for State/Local Government Relations): I am advised:

The SARDI Graduate Access Program is not linked to the Citrus Market Access Program that was discussed prior to this question.

SARDI's Graduate Access Program has been in operation for three years, beginning after a successful pilot program in 2008-09. The program places graduates from TAFE and universities with technical, marketing and commercial qualifications into South Australian food business as a first step into the industry. The graduates are employed in areas such as new product development, quality control, marketing and logistics.

The program is managed by SARDI in collaboration with Food SA and other PIRSA programs, and is aimed at identifying and filling skills gaps in small to medium-sized food businesses.

The SARDI Food Technology Program supports the South Australian food industry through technical advice in the areas of product development, quality systems and process improvements.