CAPTURING greater value from export markets, building demand and reinforcing SA's reputation as a producer of quality grain are just some of the key themes in the draft SA Grain Industry Blueprint, which is now open for public consultation.
The consultation phase of the blueprint was launched by Primary Industries Minister Tim Whetstone and Grain Producers SA deputy chair Adrian McCabe at innovative graingrowing business Bulla Burra, Loxton, this morning.
The development of the blueprint has been led by GPSA with funding from the state government and is the first of its kind for the SA grain industry.
Mr Whetstone said the blueprint had identified a number of exciting opportunities which the SA grain industry could capitalise on over the next decade.
"The state government is committed to supporting SA's primary industries to invest, expand and grow," he said.
"SA's grain industry is one of the state's largest economic contributors for primary industries and agribusiness revenue, contributing almost $3.8 billion in 2018-19.
"There are an estimated 4500 graingrowers in SA and the blueprint will help grow agribusiness revenue and increase jobs in the state.
"To drive this, the state government has set an objective to lift the sustainable economic growth rate in SA to an average of 3 per cent per year, which equates to the grain industry contributing $6 billion to gross food revenue by 2030."
RELATED READING: Grain industry blueprint given govt support
RELATED READING: Vision 2020: Grains industry set to evolve in new year
Underpinning the blueprint are six key pillars: Market Opportunities, Adding Value, Biosecurity and Market Access, Innovation, Building Industry Capacity and Infrastructure.
Each pillar has had its own working group which has brought together people with a significant stake and passion from across the entire grain value chain to help develop the vision and opportunities for that particular aspect of the industry.
Mr McCabe said it was crucial everyone along the grain value chain had their say on the vision for the industry's path to 2030.
"We want the blueprint to be an accurate reflection of the entire industry's requirements to succeed through to 2030 and beyond," he said.
GPSA chair Wade Dabinett said a common theme from growers in the development of the draft blueprint was the strong desire to take greater control over their own futures and to move beyond always being a price taker in the global market.
"I encourage all SA growers and other grain industry stakeholders to have their say on whether they think the draft blueprint has set the right course of action to do this," he said.
Grain industry stakeholders can have their say on the draft Blueprint by heading to its new dedicated website.
- Start the day with all the big news in agriculture. Click here to sign up to receive our daily Stock Journal newsletter.