Tasmanian Agri Food ScoreCard shows growth

The gross farm-gate value of Tasmania’s agriculture industry grew by 15 per cent during the 2023-24 financial year despite drought conditions.

During those 12 months, the state’s farmgate value grew to $2.83 billion, up from $2.46 billion in 2022-23.

The wine sector had a 48 per cent increase to $62 million.

The dairy industry contributed $678 million in farm-gate value, and the meat sector recorded $667 million.

The fruit sector was valued at $401 million, while the vegetable industry reached $630 million.

Primary Industries Minister Gavin Pearce said that it was a tough period for farmers.

“And even though conditions were tough, and even though we had to assist our farmers in one way or another, even though our farmers had to farm around those difficulties, they still achieved a 15 per cent increase in agricultural outputs in the state,” Mr Pearce said.

“To do that in a drought year is an incredible achievement.”

TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman said agriculture provided a net benefit to the state.

“I think that 15 per cent increase is a demonstration that government, industry, and the value chain can work together, even during the tough times, to provide stable jobs for our regional communities and feed the world,” Mr Calman said.

“Tasmania now produces six times more produce than is consumed in the state, which shows that we are an important element in feeding the nation and world.”

The government is aiming to grow Tasmania’s farmgate value to $10 billion by 2050.

“We’re well ahead of the curve for doing that,” Mr Calman said.

“We need our value-adding industries in the state to maximise the value of what farmers are growing to create more demand at the farm-gate.

“That’s good for our economy here in the state, and we stand behind those value-adding industries to create as much demand as possible.”

The state government is in the midst of developing a new agricultural strategy for Tasmania.