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House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-05-14 Daily Xml
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FOOD PLAN

Ms BREUER (Giles) (14:37): My question is an important one for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. What support does the government provide to assist growth in South Australia's food sector? A subject very dear to my heart, as you can see.

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development) (14:37): I thank the honourable member for her question, and we have something in common, we very much appreciate food. The importance of the food sector in maintaining the vitality of our economy cannot be underestimated, hence the—

Mr Hanna interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: Beg your pardon, Kris?

Mr Hanna interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: You are looking good, mate. We know that Ivan feeds in a very good paddock, that is obvious. All of us here like food. The excellent work being undertaken through the Premier's Food Council is maintaining our economy very well. Under the South Australian Food Plan 2007-10, an ambitious target of 8 per cent growth per year was set for the three year period of the current Food Plan.

The Food ScoreCard is that which measures the performance against this target. I am very pleased, therefore, to report that in spite of several years of difficult weather and climatic conditions, the restrictions on the availability of water and, at times, a strengthening Australian dollar, significant growth has still been achieved in this important sector.

The 2007-08 Food ScoreCard results indicate that farm gate value of production was up 39 per cent, finished food revenue was up 9 per cent, overseas and interstate exports were up 19 per cent and retail and food service increased by 14 per cent. Overall, there was a 15 per cent growth in gross food revenue.

I would like to mention a couple of the supportive mechanisms in place that aim to assist growth in our food sector, specifically the market development program and the strategic use of industry development offices. The market development program is managed by PIRSA, with key sub-programs delivered through a unique industry and government partnership.

The essential elements of this program include: international/interstate market development, market intelligence and value chain development. This program works hand in hand with industry to identify key trade events and activities that will support the continued growth of South Australian food industry markets.

Identified events are managed by industry, with funding support shared fifty-fifty by government and the food industry. A high level committee, consisting of senior officers from PIRSA and DTED working with industry partners, oversees the integrated strategy that aims to eliminate any duplication of effort that may occur with international activities.

Industry and business capability development is a key pillar in the SA Food Plan 2007-10, focusing on developing the capabilities the South Australian food industry requires to compete with imports and to establish strong positions in export markets.

Mr Hanna interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: Is that all? You are interested in food, though, Kris. It is important. We talk about the difficult economic times we are in, and one of the areas that will sustain us through this, of course, is the very important area of agriculture, primary industries and, indeed, food.

Mr Williams interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: The budget was not as bad. You always like to talk things down, Mitch. I would have thought you would be talking things up in this particular area. The industry development officers provide vital links between the food industry and the programs, services and expertise of partners of the South Australian Food Centre. I have already done it, but I would like to talk again about the Food Centre; however, I will save that for another day.

The industry development officers also help link food enterprises to programs that are offered through other state and commonwealth agencies, as well as those provided by industry associations and private providers. There are five industry development officers appointed across our state: Eyre Peninsula, the Limestone Coast (I am sure that you are very happy, Mitch, that we have one down that way), the Murraylands, the Riverland and the Central South and Central North regions.

Two industry development officers are employed directly by PIRSA's Agriculture, Food and Wine Division, while the remaining industry development officer is employed by the regional development boards but still funded by PIRSA. In addition to the industry development officer network, PIRSA contributes funding to a food and wine development officer. Where might that be, for the member for Finniss's benefit? Where might the food and wine development officer be located, because I know you are interested in this?

Mr Pengilly: It is located in my electorate.

The Hon. P. CAICA: Yes, on Kangaroo Island. It is good that you are sitting alongside the member for Davenport because he was able to tell you where he was located. This IDO is funded through and in conjunction with DTED, the Kangaroo Island Development Board and the Kangaroo Island food and wine groups.

While the global financial crisis and the continuing drought conditions in many areas will no doubt provide us with further challenges for the food sector, the successful partnership that has been developed between the state government and industry provides a solid foundation for maintaining a vibrant and innovative food sector that strives and continues to strive to add value to our primary produce. It is a very important part of my very important portfolio responsibility.

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