Paul Caica, can’t wait to roll up his sleeves and work with the South Australian food industry to achieve a shared goal. But he wants to take an informed approach to the task. Minister Caica was recently promoted to the portfolio following the retirement of outgoing Minister Rory McEwen, and has spent his first few weeks in office information gathering.
"It would be presumptuous of me to think I know more than those in the food industry, so the last few weeks have been taken up with talking to people from industry sectors, stakeholders and so on and learning about their views and opinions of the food industry."
While it’s still early days, Minister Caica says the message from industry is a positive one.
"I think like all industries, the food industry has concerns about the global economic crisis, climate variability and drought, and the increasing competitiveness of imports, but the message that has come through clearly is that people are positive about the future of the industry."
It’s a sentiment he shares.
"I think when we look at the South Australian food industry we have an outstanding foundation in place that we can continue to build on - not only in the national food market, but also the international market."
He said the South Australian Food Plan and the South Australian Food Centre stood the industry in good stead.
"I think what we do here in South Australia better than in any other state, is that, while we have critical mass, we’re small enough to put into place a far more productive working relationship through collaboration."
"For example, I don’t think that there’s anything else in Australia that matches the South Australian Food Centre."
He said despite the fact that the SA Food Centre had only been open a few months, it was already making a significant difference to the South Australian food industry.
"It has already engaged with more than 250 food businesses on various projects, predominantly through the Centre’s Industry Development Officers, and aims to lift the expertise of the industry. That can only be a very good thing."
Minister Caica said he felt privileged to take on the role of Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, alongside his role as Minister for Regional Development. He said the two roles complemented each other.
"I think it’s a bonus for me to have that portfolio as well. I don’t lose sight of the fact that the majority of our food is produced in the regions."
Minister Caica said he believed the future of the industry relied upon value adding of food products, "making sure we add to the value chain."
"It’s about moving from just the production of high quality commodity products, to increasing the focus on premium finished products to interstate and overseas markets."
Contact
Paul Caica MP (above)
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