The Marshall Liberal Government will continue to prioritise South Australian biosecurity which provides our primary producers with a market advantage on the world stage.
The 2019-20 State Budget allocates $37.5 million for biosecurity measures to support our agriculture and horticulture industries.
$7.5 million of new funding has been allocated to the red meat and wool sector to help with technology adoption and vital infrastructure to support growth and boost productivity.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said the funding will aim to boost on-farm productivity to increase the number of sheep and cattle that are raised and processed in South Australia.
“Having a strong biosecurity framework is critical to our state’s economic development, protecting our reputation for exceptional food and wine, and for maintaining and increasing access to international and domestic markets,” said Minister Whetstone.
“The $7.5 million will build on the enormous opportunities for South Australia to increase farmgate returns and create greater market access.
“The red meat and wool industry is South Australia’s largest manufacturing employer supporting 30,000 jobs.
“Over 11 million sheep, 950,000 head of cattle and 57 million kilograms of wool are produced annually in this state with a total production and processing revenue of $2.4 billion.
“Biosecurity is at the forefront of the Marshall Liberal Government’s agenda to grow agriculture in South Australia and further investment in our One Biosecurity program will provide greater traceability and market advantage for our producers on the world stage.”
The 2019-20 State Budget also reports the Marshall Liberal Government has invested an additional $5 million to help protect South Australia’s horticulture industry against biosecurity threats such as Citrus Canker and to fight fruit fly outbreaks.
“South Australia produces some of the best fresh produce in the world and maintaining our state’s fruit fly free status is critical to providing our growers with market advantage,” said Minister Whetstone.
“The Marshall Liberal Government is leaving no stone unturned to protect our state’s vital $1.2 billion fruit fly vulnerable horticulture industry.
“We are well aware of the devastation both fruit fly and Citrus Canker can cause and this extra investment has complemented our government’s recently introduced zero-tolerance approach towards motorists travelling with fruit from outside of the Pest Free Area.
“Also, our primary producers have long-identified upgrading the 100-year-old Dog Fence as a key piece of infrastructure to protect our livestock industry.
“The Marshall Liberal Government, working collaboratively with the Morrison Coalition Government and industry, will deliver this multi-generational investment with the Federal and State Governments providing $10 million each and industry providing $5 million.”
