Today I officially launched the 2018-19 Seasonal Produce Guide, which promotes a wide variety of the quality produce Tasmanian growers are renowned.
The Guide details 37 businesses in eight regions across the State.
Endorsing the State’s reputation as providing fresh, high quality produce, the overall aim is to see more tasty and healthy Tasmanian seasonal food purchased from farm gates, through retail and farmers markets, at events, and on the menus of cafés and restaurants across Tasmania.
Horticulture, is a key pillar of our agricultural economy, and we continue to work alongside Fruit Growers Tasmania to ensure we provide the right environment for the sector to continue to thrive.
Tasmanian cherries remain the state’s highest value fruit export, while berry production has grown more than tenfold over the past 11 years, from $7.3 million in 2005-06 to $80.3 million in 2016-17.
Tasmania now accounts for 28.7 per cent of national production of raspberries and blackberries, which is a resounding result considering the size of our State.
The Hodgman Majority Liberal Government has set a target to increase the value of Tasmanian agriculture to $10 billion by 2050.
We are investing in irrigation schemes to provide farmers and growers with greater access to water, and ensuring we have rigorous biosecurity protocols to protect our brand.
Importantly, the State remains on track to have pest free area (PFA) status reinstated in time for the peak summer harvest period.
Our targets for agriculture include:
See all of our targets at: https://www.tas.liberal.org.au/sites/default/files/BuildingYourFuture.pdf
More Media Releases from Guy Barnett
More Media Releases from the Minister for Primary Industries and Water