South Australia's primary industries and agribusinesses continue to be a big contributor to the state's economy with a nine percent increase in revenue in the past financial year to $15.4 billion.
That was the findings of the 2020-2021 Primary Industries Scorecard released last week.
Advertisement
Minister for Primary Industries & Regional Development Clare Scrivens said the figures showed the resilience of the sector despite ongoing challenges from COVID-19 and continued trade tensions with China.
"Strong grain export prices and higher than average beef prices, along with increases in the production of grains and winegrapes during 2020-21 contributed to a 9pc increase in South Australia's primary industries and agribusiness revenue and an 8.5pc increase in the total value of primary production," she said.
"The state's primary industries and agribusinesses are vital to the state's economy and as they continue to emerge out of the COVID-19 pandemic, these results show how the sector continues to meet the challenges faced during this testing period.
"Improved seasonal conditions throughout 2020 including above-average summer rain led to an abundance of pasture in all major cattle producing regions and contributed to improved grain and winegrape production. Strong grain export prices also helped to drive revenue growth."
About 74,000 people were employed in the primary industries sector and associated processing according to the Scorecard- up 6pc on 2019-2020 figures.
The contribution of primary production activity (agriculture, forestry and fishing) to the state's economy (Gross State Product) was up by 24pc totalling $6b.
China remains the biggest overseas market accounting for 17 per cent of the total food and agribusiness exports despite falling by 30pc in 2020-21.
Wine was the sector hit hardest due to the Chinese implementation of a wine tariff with a decrease in total wine exports by 12pc to $1.65 billion.
View PIRSA's scorecard here
Start the day with all the big news in agriculture. Sign up here to receive our daily Stock Journal newsletter.
