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Food contributes a record $12.4 billion to SA economy

South Australia’s food industry has shown remarkable resilience over the last year, with new figures showing Gross Food Revenue has grown by 9 per cent - or $1.0 billion - to reach a new record high of $12.4 billion.

Releasing the new annual data for the Food Scorecard today, Food Minister Paul Caica said the result demonstrates the strength of our food industry and its importance to South Australia.

“The value of overseas exports, food manufacturing (finished food) and employment in the State’s food industry have also grown significantly over 2008/09,” Minister Caica said.

“Overseas exports of South Australian food have grown by as much as 18 per cent over the year to reach $2.4-billion.

“Finished food has grown steadily over the year, returning to its previous record level of $4.4 billion.

“But the really good news with finished food is the 9 per cent growth achieved over the year in its overseas exports to reach a new record high of $1.3 billion.

“Over the last decade, finished food export growth in South Australia has been driven by exceptional growth in meat products, seafood and grain products, including pasta and beer.

“This rise in value-adding in our food industry is a very positive trend, reducing the reliance on seasonally dependent commodities and increasing South Australia’s presence in higher value-added markets.”

Minister Caica says employment in SA’s food industry has also reached a new record high of 146,000 people, with 7,200 additional jobs being created over the last year.

Despite the growing strength of the food industry, there was a moderate decline in primary production over the year, with farm gate values down 4 per cent to $3.2 billion.

“The fall in agricultural output last financial year is largely attributed to declining world grain process and poor seasonal conditions. With more favourable seasonal conditions and the expected bumper harvest, there is good reason to be optimistic about a return to normal demand.”

Read the SA Food ScoreCard report 2008/09