FOOD AND WINE INDUSTRY

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (15:30): Today, I would like to take the opportunity to talk about one of the government's seven strategic priorities: premium food and wine from our clean environment. As a former convenor of the Premier's Food Council, I follow the progress of this strategy with interest. In a chamber like ours where we represent the whole state, I believe it goes without saying that all of us recognise the important contribution this sector makes to our economy. Indeed, it generates some $16 billion in revenue annually and employs one in five people. Minister Gago is strongly committed to regional South Australia and its economic success.

Our credentials as a producer of premium food and wine from our clean environment, clean air and clean soil are very sound. It is the edge that not only sees us capitalising on the increasing global demand for premium products but that also enables us to promote a lifestyle destination when attracting tourists to our state.

Honourable members would be aware that an action plan for premium food and wine from our clean environment was released last month. The plan to develop and expand South Australia's food and wine industry is not just aimed at the local and interstate markets, but to our key overseas markets. The minister has, over recent parliamentary sitting weeks, advised the chamber of several initiatives that see us being promoted at important overseas markets.

The three themes of the action plan are: build our brand, grow our capacity and secure production. Needless to say, further developing markets, driving innovation and maintaining our biosecurity, amongst other initiatives, are pivotal to the success of the plan. As to be expected, the plan was developed in response to an extensive and wideranging consultation with the food and wine sectors, to allow the best possible opportunity to address any concerns and challenges facing the industry.

During my involvement, the partnership between government and the sector was a strong one and I am pleased to see the plan bringing together projects that are being delivered by both parties. I understand minister Gago has said that there are more than 70 projects and has provided the chamber with some examples of those projects. She has advised the chamber in the past of the opportunities in China for food, wine and capability development. I think it also makes perfect sense to see a food manufacturing hub located at the University of Adelaide's Waite Campus to support innovation in the food manufacturing industry.

Without doubt, the Waite Campus of the University of Adelaide is respected world wide for its research and excellence in the science of food and wine research and innovation. In partnership with industry, there have been a variety of initiatives evolving over the years which have led to the development or assisted in the development of this action plan. As well as community forums, the minister has committed herself to three industry forums this month across the state to hear about the opportunities and challenges the sector faces. The government has committed itself to updating the plan regularly to reflect the progress made in responding to the ongoing work between the government, industry and the community.

During my responsibilities on the then Premier's Food Council, we talked about paddock to plate. Whilst there are so many avenues to promote our clean food and wine, I was particularly pleased to see the new concept of the premium food and wine trail at the Royal Adelaide Show this year. This year, the show provided the opportunity for everybody to sample the best of our state's lifestyle and quality of life in South Australia with superb food and wine. 'Why focus on food and wine?' is asked in the pamphlet promoting premium food and wine from our clean environment. I believe the pamphlet sums it up well:

Food and wine are pivotal to South Australia's prosperity and central to its identity. The food and wine industries employ one in five workers and account for around 45 per cent of the state's total merchandise exports. The industries encompass primary producers such as growers, farmers and fishermen; packers and processors; wineries and food manufacturers; wholesalers, marketers and retailers; and food service enterprises, such as restaurants, cafes and bars.

I commend the government and minister Gago on this important action plan.