For the first time South Australia's grain industry will have a whole-of-industry focused strategic plan to drive further growth and value in the state's largest agriculture sector.
At a dryland farm on the Yorke Peninsula, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone today announced the State Government has committed $140,000 to Grain Producers SA (GPSA) for the development of a South Australian Grain Industry Blueprint.
"The Marshall Liberal Government wants to build on the strengths of our grains industry and developing a blueprint will assist industry to strive for reachable targets," said Minister Whetstone.
"There are significant opportunities for the grains industry to grow through the development of supply chain efficiencies, new industry sectors and varieties, adoption of emerging technologies, research, development and extension, market access and value-adding.
"The grains industry has advocated for a whole-of-industry, whole-of-supply chain blueprint to outline the long-term industry development goals and I'm pleased to work with GPSA to develop such a plan.
"The blueprint will be developed with input from the entire industry, from growers, traders and exporters, to domestic processors and other value adders, research, transport and bulk handlers.
"South Australia's grain industry is one of the state's largest economic contributors for primary industries and agribusiness revenue, contributing almost $4.2 billion in 2017-18.
"There are an estimated 4,500 grain farmers in South Australia and this blueprint will help grow agribusiness revenue and increase jobs in the state."
A working group with industry members will be established and tasked to drive the blueprint development project, ensuring each part of the value chain is included.
Grain Producers SA Chief Executive Officer Caroline Rhodes welcomed funding from the Marshall Liberal Government for the grain blueprint.
"There are enormous opportunities to grow the grains sector in South Australia and having a blueprint to work from could be a game changer," said Ms Rhodes.
"I'm looking forward to working with industry and the State Government to outline a future vision for the grain industry.
"The South Australian Grain Industry Blueprint strongly aligns with GPSA's vision to ensure a profitable and sustainable grain production sector. We believe this project will support future investment and policy decision making across the industry, by developing targets for the entire supply chain."
