Strong agricultural sector exceeds $3.5 billion

Tasmania’s agriculture, food and drink production again recorded another bumper year, with agribusiness gross value rising 9% to $3.52 billion.

The resilience of Tasmania’s agricultural sector and its ability to adapt has again been highlighted in the Tasmanian Agri-Food ScoreCard 2020-21.

The Liberal Government of Tasmania is the strongest supporter of our hardworking farmers and primary producers, and we commend them for their innovation, tireless effort, resilience and commitment to the agricultural industry.

Fortunately, agricultural production increased by 9%, bringing the farm gate value to $2.34 billion in 2020-2021. This shows that we are on track to achieve our ambitious goal of increasing the farm gate value of Tasmania’s agriculture to $10 billion a year by 2050.

Produced annually, the scorecard revealed favorable seasonal conditions over the summer of 2020-21 and access to irrigation infrastructure and water throughout hot and dry spells was crucial for good continued performance of pasture-based industries.

Dairy was the most valued agricultural category at $490 million.

Notable increases in farm gate value include:

• meat, which rose 8% to $665 million;
• Berry production increased by 45% to $209 million; and
• Vegetables rose 13% to $337 million.

Tasmania’s wine industry continues to strengthen, with overall value of wine grapes up 21% to a farm gate value of $46 million, with vintage up 16.9% to 14,478 tonnes .

Additionally, our seafood business again showed sustainable growth, growing 10% to $1.18 billion. Salmonids remained the most valuable food product, increasing 14% to $1.01 billion.

The ScoreCard reflects the industry’s outstanding achievements and ability to capitalize on Tasmania’s advantages in climate, soils, natural resources, biosecurity and water for irrigation.

It is a remarkable achievement for the state’s agribusiness sector to grow in 2020-21 as Tasmania continues to be disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our government thanks all the farmers, growers, businesses and organizations in Tasmania who have made these outstanding agricultural achievements.

To read the 2020-21 scorecard visit nre.tas.gov.au/agriculture/facts-figures/tasmanian-agri-food-scorecards