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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-06-05 Daily Xml
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State of Primary Industries Report

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (14:55): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Will the minister inform the chamber about the More Than an Industry state of primary industries report for 2025?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:55): I thank the honourable member for his question. It was a pleasure for both the Premier and myself to present the 2025 state of primary industries report, called More Than an Industry, last Thursday at the 2025 PIRSA Industry Forum, with representatives across agriculture, fishing and forestry in attendance, for whom the report reflects the depth and breadth of their hard work and their incredible contribution to our state.

I was pleased that the federal Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries was also there and was able to address the forum. That, of course, was followed by a round table with the federal minister, as well as representatives of all the sector's peak bodies.

The report, commissioned by Primary Producers SA and prepared by ACIL Allen, was supported by the South Australian government through PIRSA. It is a comprehensive document that reflects upon the importance of food, wine and agribusiness to our state, not just through the lens of economic output, KPIs and FTEs but as part of our identity and way of South Australian life, playing a central role in all the lives of South Australians through the provision of food and fibre.

We are so incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by amazing waters, vineyards and farmlands, though we know the difficulty those who make their living from any of these go through at different times, which is why the state government has stood ready to assist in difficult periods and we will continue to do so.

The report, of course, dives deep into the specifics across our agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries and provides some, frankly, astonishing figures that highlight just how much our state relies on businesses of food, wine and agribusiness as an integral part of our economy. Indeed, I have often referred, as others have, to it being the backbone of our economy.

The sector recorded $17.1 billion in revenue in the latest report, with 76,000 full-time equivalent jobs, $8.6 billion of overseas exports and $4 billion in interstate exports, making up 49 per cent of South Australia's total merchandise exports. Food, wine and agribusiness make up 5.5 per cent of the state's gross state product, with 18,916 primary industry, food, beverage and fibre manufacturing businesses totalling 11½ per cent of all South Australian businesses.

The industries that make up the portfolio that I am incredibly fortunate to be the minister for are quite simply a powerhouse for employment and opportunity and the driving force behind our regional communities. All in the chamber, no doubt, are aware of the resilience of our regions, and the report highlights just how resilient the industries are that underpin those communities. The ability to diversify and value-add to production provides further opportunities in which our state has always taken a leading role, and this is set to continue.

Revenue from our state's primary industries has grown from $13.9 billion in 2014-15 to $17.1 billion in 2023-24, at an average annual growth of around 3 per cent. Export trade has risen by 53 per cent in the period since 2013-14.

Importantly, the report cast an eye to the future of our food, wine and agribusiness sectors, with the outlook largely positive as the state continues its trajectory of capitalising on emerging opportunities, creating new and enhanced sectors and technologies, expansion into high-value markets, and re-entry into the Chinese market, as well as the continued evolution of value-adding, productivity gains and efficiency. Of course, all this complements the sustainability across sectors in which we have always placed a very high value and which is recognised worldwide.

The report recognises the immense contribution of agricultural research and development in our state as a key driver of productivity and sustainability, with the Waite Research Institute and SARDI, along with the state's other leading tertiary institutions, playing a critical role in agriculture and fisheries science, food processing, biosecurity and adaptation to climate change. The report acknowledges our strengths and identifies the areas in which we can continue to improve.

We know that times are very difficult for many in our primary industries, notwithstanding the set of incredible numbers contained in the report showing just how important they are to our state. I thank Primary Producers SA and all the sectors that contribute to more than an industry. It is a comprehensive snapshot of where we are and where we can be, for which all South Australians can rightly be proud and appreciative.

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