RIVERLAND SUSTAINABLE FUTURES FUND

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (14:29): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Regional Development a question about a Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund grant.

Leave granted.

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO: Members in this place will share with me an enthusiasm for the renaissance that is underway in the Riverland following the beneficial effects of the breaking of the drought and the greening of this important food bowl. In addition to these changes, I understand that changes are apparent following expenditure arising from a state government grant. My question is: can the minister update the chamber on the progress of a grant made to encourage growing a wider range of fruit and vegetables in the Riverland?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (14:30): I thank the honourable member for her important question and her ongoing interest in this important policy area. Indeed, a particular grant was recently made under the Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund to a Loxton horticulture company. That was some time ago and I am happy to give an update on this.

Members may recall that Wild 'n' Fresh, a business run by a husband-and-wife team, was awarded just under $500,000 from the Riverland Sustainable Futures Fund, and I think that was back in May 2011, to produce and market a range of chemical and insecticide-free fruit and vegetables previously not grown in South Australia.

The business, which began as a roadside stall, had ambitions to expand its offering to the public of South Australia and saw that by upgrading their growing facilities, including their irrigation system, warehouse, shed and packing facility, it could take advantage of the Riverland's benign climate to grow premium produce.

One of the most important areas of economic activity for the Riverland region is obviously agriculture where there are many small holdings and small-scale primary producers. The Scholefield Robinson report, which was commissioned by the Riverland Futures TaskForce, identified one potential area for economic development—the diversification into crops other than grapes or citrus—and also in particular highlighted the opportunities presented by covered or greenhouse production.

This is precisely the area that was chosen by Wild 'n' Fresh as they expand production using a new 2,400 square metre greenhouse with climate and water control systems. The business recently delivered its stage 3 progress report for the project, confirming that the construction phase of the project is now complete. The progress report indicates that the company is already reaping rewards from the project, and local businesses are being supported, with approximately 30 other businesses being supplied with specialty horticulture products, such as gem squash and rainbow silverbeet.

The upgrade helped Wild 'n' Fresh increase their harvest last year. I am advised that the company is growing three varieties of chemical-free strawberries this season and the first batch of these is already in the market. I understand that the company is making strides towards its goal of being as environmentally sustainable as possible, and it is pleasing to see that the potential of the Riverland to provide new products to market is beginning to be realised.

The progress to date I think demonstrates why this government has chosen as one of its seven priorities premium food and wine from a clean environment. We have the opportunity to improve the profile and position of South Australian agrifood products as well as meeting the consumer demand for local natural products. Through the Wild 'n' Fresh project, the local business community has benefited through maintenance and building contracts, and the local community has also obviously received delicious produce.

Jobs in regional communities are, as we know, extremely important. In this case, I am advised that Wild 'n' Fresh has been able to increase hours for permanent staff while employing 216 additional casual staff to assist in the most recent harvest, which is a phenomenal achievement, considering that it had just four casual staff for the previous harvest year.

The work done to improve sustainability by Wild 'n' Fresh has also been noticed in the recent 2012 Advantage SA awards, taking out the Intercontinental Sustainability Award at the Murraylands and Riverland regional awards presented in Renmark in October. Obviously, I congratulate Mandi and Alex Wild on their progress and I very much look forward to the completion of this project in the coming months.