Growth in the South Australian citrus and potato sectors have both risen in value by more than 20 per cent over the past financial year.
Figures released in the Food ScoreCard 2016–17 show that the state's horticulture sector had a farm gate value of $970million, which was a five per cent increase on the previous year. Citrus had the biggest jump; from $82million in 2015-16 to $103million, while potatoes were up to $145million. Almonds had a slight increase, of five per cent, to $128million but the other horticulture commodities remained steady.
Source: PIRSA Food ScoreCard 2016–17
The whole food and wine industry posted record-breaking revenue of $19.97 billion. The scorecard, which is produced by Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) found that overall food and wine revenue increased by seven per cent, or $1 billion on the previous year's results. Gross Food Revenue was also up by seven per cent, or $1.09 billion, to reach record levels of $17.6 billion - while imports decreased slightly by less than one per cent to $1.35 billion.
Most of South Australia's horticultural produce was supplied interstate with the market worth $551million, with gross food revenue reaching more than $3billion.
Food exports increased by $27million in 2016-17, or seven per cent, to $4.17billion. Horticulture exports were valued at $270million, which was a decrease of nine per cent on the previous year. Despite small increases in the value of apple, pear and citrus exports there were declines in almond prices as well as smaller volumes of carrot and onion exports.
Across all food categories, South Australia exported to 95 countries in 2016–17, with the United States of America being South Australia’s largest market with $508 million or a 12% share. China and Hong Kong continue to grow in importance, increasing by $33 million or 9 per cent since 2015–16. For horticulture Japan, Germany and New Zealand were the top international markets.
Source: PIRSA Food ScoreCard 2016–17
"As a State we remain focused on capitalising on existing opportunities and identifying new ways to increase our market share and profit margin in these sectors," South Australia’s Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister Leon Bignell said. "With food and wine revenue closing in on a record $20 billion in 2016-17 and exports now accounting for half of all South Australia's merchandise exports, it shows just how valuable these sectors are to our economy."
The PIRSA report forecasts that recently signed Free Trade Agreements with key Asian markets will continue to support growth in exports from the state, along with recognition by the Chinese Government of the Riverland Pest Free Area will support growth in horticultural, and provide producers with a competitive advantage.
To view the scorecard, visit: www.pir.sa.gov.au/scorecards