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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, First Session (54-1)
2018-11-07 Daily Xml
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Food South Australia

Mr ELLIS (Narungga) (15:03): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Can the minister update the house on how the state government is supporting South Australia's food producers through $4 million for Food SA?

The Hon. T.J. WHETSTONE (Chaffey—Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development) (15:03): I certainly can, and I thank the member for Narungga for his very important question. It was fantastic to recently visit the electorate of Narungga, visiting and meeting his farmers and food producers as well as the fishers. It is a great electorate. I am sure that every member in this house would be envious of the diversity of farming he has in his electorate.

The state budget allocated $4 million to Food SA in the previous budget over the forward four years. The peak body for food here in South Australia, Food SA, is led by Catherine Sayer and its board, and they are doing an outstanding job. That's why this government recognised the work that they are doing on behalf of a $20 billion industry here in South Australia, growing our exports, producing more premium lines of food and making sure that our economy is led by good food, good wine and all the condiments that come with it.

Our additional support will enable the creation of a liaison officer, who will work directly with businesses supporting effective direction and access to government programs. Many small businesses in South Australia are on the cusp of greatness, not only value-adding some of the great food that is grown in our state but having the capacity to go into export markets and grow their businesses and employ more people.

Food SA represents producers, manufacturers and processors, those service providers who are actively and successfully value-adding. As I said, to be able to support them is testament to our commitment not only to food producers but to the regions that grow great food. The state government's funding support will also assist in supporting and growing those export capabilities. As we speak, Food SA is supporting the China International Import Expo through our SA export businesses.

It is important to note that Food SA is an organisation that works out of the Waite Campus. They are working with some of the great food technology and food experts at Waite. As I speak, they are developing new foods and new processing techniques. Over the next three years, we will see new styles of food and new varieties of food hitting our shelves as well as hitting our export markets. I commend Food SA to the house. I also commend Food SA to the wider public in South Australia for the work they do supporting our food sector and making sure that South Australia is at the forefront.

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