Representatives from across the political spectrum were at the Growing SA conference to talk about their agricultural credentials ahead of the March election.
Agriculture Minister Leon Bignell, Opposition agriculture spokesperson David Rigdway and Nick Xenophon Team agriculture spokesperson Rebekha Sharkie took the stage, with apologies from Australian Conservatives MLC Robert Brokenshire and Greens MLC Mark Parnell.
Mr Bignell announced the government would follow through on a policy previously adopted by the SA Liberals to waive the 11 per cent stamp duty on multi-peril crop insurance, following feedback from Grain Producers SA.
“We will be introducing measures before the end of the year so there won’t be stamp duty on (multi-peril) crop insurance,” he said.
He said the Brands SA app, launched at the conference, was another win which would allow up-to-date and real-time access to the catalogue of livestock brands in use.
Mr Bignell said the two key spotlights for the government were biosecurity and promotion of SA’s “fantastic credentials”.
“We’re working in China, Japan and other markets to make sure we can get as much produce into these markets as possible,” he said. “The best money we can have coming into our economy is the money from interstate or overseas.”
Mr Ridgway said a greater focus of the SA Liberals, if in power, would be agricultural research, development and innovation.
“I think everyone in the room can agree that the primary industries to-date have been starved of a long-term vision,” he said. “It is true that overall the primary industry sector grows each year but only marginally.”
He also reiterated earlier announced policies, including the funding of two wild dog trappers and the need for mandatory farm debt mediation to arbitrate early in any possible foreclosures.
Mr Ridgway said the opposition had tried to introduce this legislation only for it to be voted down by the government, but added similar legislation was in place in Qld, NSW and Vic.
He also reiterated the opposition’s plans to reinstate the remissions on the Emergency Services Levy.
Ms Sharkie, speaking on behalf of state counterparts SA Best, said the average age of farmers, which sits at 56 years old, created a need to ensure youth were attracted into the industry.
She pointed to a scheme in Vic, where school students would spend one day a week working on a farm.
Another key area for research was alternative uses for crops, such as ethanol.
“It would increase the value of grains and strengthen our fuel security,” she said.