Environment and Food Production Areas

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (15:16): Supplementary: the minister referenced the importance of providing food security. Does she believe that the state should be reducing its annual yield of wheat in high yield areas while we are in the middle of a drought?

The PRESIDENT: Minister, you did mention yield, I think, so you can answer it if you wish; you don't have to.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:17): In the most recent trade statistics, I think the total value of grains that South Australian farmers exported overseas was about $3.28 billion in the 12 months to this January. Obviously, we want to continue to have exports as an important part of our economy. We need to balance, at all times, all the competing demands within our economy and within our community.