26 May 2017

Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Primary Industries and Water

Fruit growing industry gets a State Budget boost

Tasmania’s expanding fruit growing industry is an important beneficiary of the Hodgman Liberal Government’s fourth State Budget.

Like the broader Tasmanian economic outlook, the future for fruit growing is also positive and set to benefit from the investments from a balanced Budget.

Cherry exports are growing and demand continues to exceed supply, particularly in China. Tasmanian berry production is growing rapidly.

Domestically, demand for apples remains steady while the rapidly expanding cider industry is creating a growing demand for apples for juicing.

The Tasmanian Government is working with Fruit Growers Tasmania on a number of shared priorities including industry growth, market development, farm safety, biosecurity and workforce development.

Thursday’s State Budget confirmed we are investing $44 million through our AgriFood Plan across agriculture, fisheries, biosecurity, and research and development so that we can grow more, make more and protect our vital primary industries sector.

Fruit Growers will benefit from this investment, including:

• an additional $5.6 million to boost biosecurity including additional resources to address frontline demands in peak periods – a service of significant importance to fruit exporters – and to tackle pests and weeds head-on.
• A further $70,000 this year to assist FGT in its market development work and $65,000 has been made available to FGT to implement a farm hygiene program for berry growers.
• $600,000 for Safe Farming Tasmania.
• $1.2 million for a Strategic Industry Partnerships Program to co-invest with industry peak bodies and organisations – like Fruit Growers Tasmania – who play a vital role in supporting farmers and producers.
• $30,000 for a bee industry futures report to guide industry development, pollination services and sustainable access to leatherwood within World Heritage areas.
• $20 million ensures the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) continues its world-class work over the next four years in agricultural research, development and extension.

The Tasmanian Government has a target to grow the value of agriculture tenfold to $10 billion by 2050 and to achieve this we are working in partnership with farmers and primary industry groups, such as Fruit Growers Tasmania.

The State Budget is all about Building Tasmania’s Future through strategic investment in our agricultural industries to support growth and jobs.

More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff

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