Food a 'hot spot' for job growth

At a recent Committee for Economic Development of Australia lunch, Thomas Foods International owner and chief executive officer Darren Thomas said the "next boom industry" could generate 30,000 to 35,000 jobs.

He said agriculture had played a key role in the Australian economy through the years and there was opportunity to value-add to the state's produce.

"We're moving away from the traditional agricultural model where we harvest (the crop) or sell meat off in bulk," Mr Thomas said.

"We should learn from what happened in the mining sector and value-add and create jobs in SA.

"(TFI) used to send slabs of meat and now looks at ready meals."

SA Centre for Economic Studies visiting fellow Darryl Gobbett agreed processing could be the way of the future.

"In three or four years, food processing will be the single biggest employee in SA," he said.

SA holds the dubious distinction of having Australia's highest unemployment rate, at 7.7 per cent.

As manufacturing in the state winds down, Mr Gobbett said opportunities for new industries would arise.

"We need to look for spin-off businesses that exist or currently do not exist," he said.

Mr Thomas said Australia was often seen as a sound opportunity for investment in the agriculture and food sector.

SA, in particular, enjoyed a reputation for safe food and food processing could be a ready fit in market stakes.

But Mr Thomas said there was a need to change perceptions the industry was "just an abbattoir".

"There is a challenge in attracting skilled labour into business," he said.

"I don't think people in Elizabeth are thinking their next job could be in Murray Bridge or Lobethal.

"People need minimal upskilling and training to change jobs and government can play a role as facilitator."

Mr Gobbett said food processing should be part of a larger shift.

"In SA we have the idea that it has to be the next big thing that saves us, like submarines," he said.

"What are the things we can do ourselves to get out of the rut, rather than rely on government?"

Mr Gobbett said the government could help by reducing regulations but change at a grassroots level would be more sustainable.

The government also had the power to invest in training.

Department of State Development chief executive officer and CEDA state advisory council member Don Russell said upskilling was one way to combat the slump.

"Equipping people to do a job is a permanent solution and something the government does have power over," he said.