As the Tasmanian Government continues to work with farmers and agribusiness to develop a new long term agriculture strategy, the 2026-27 Budget invests $193 million in the continuous growth of our agriculture industry.

Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce, said this includes $1.6 million for the Strategic Industry Partnership Program, which supports industry projects and drives growth across the sector as we continue to work towards our annual farmgate target value of $10 billion by 2050.

“This Budget ensures our economy continues to be strong, resilient and well positioned for the future,” Minister Pearce said.

“A $750,000 investment in the Agriculture Research and Development Fund boosts our capacity for innovation across the industry, backing in Tasmania’s primary producers as early-adopters of new and emerging technologies.

“To further future-proof the agriculture industry, the 2026-27 Budget invests in our next generations of farmers, delivering $450,000 over three years to TasFarmers to connect young Tasmanians with careers in agriculture.”

This Budget backs in those that put food on the table, recognising our nation - and the world - are facing turbulent times.

“The 2026-27 Budget provides $630,000 for the Farm Business Resilience program and Regional Drought Resilience Planning program, strengthening the capability and wellbeing of the agricultural sector,” Minister Pearce said.

“This is further supported through a $134,000 investment in the Rural Financial Counselling Service, providing primary producers free, independent financial guidance.

“Importantly, ongoing funding for Rural Alive and Well will ensure the continued delivery of mental health services for the sector.”

The Tasmanian Government is getting the balance right, while recognising the State’s agricultural land is a significant asset.

“Building on significant investment by this Government since 2014 to tackle serious invasive weeds, the 2026-27 Budget invests an additional $90,000 in the Weeds Action Fund program,” Minister Pearce said.

“This work is bolstered by an additional $2.3 million investment over the next four years in our Natural Resource Management bodies.

“Keeping the water flowing and crops growing, Tasmanian Irrigation is investing $392.9 million to continue delivery of its Tranche 3 irrigation program, including works associated with the Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme; Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme Augmentation; and the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme.

“Raising awareness and ensuring better farm protections against pests and diseases, the 2026-27 Budget includes $125,000 for TasFarmers to enhance on-farm biosecurity engagement.

“Importantly, the 2026-27 Budget invests $750,000 for the delivery of the Wild Fallow Deer Management Plan, bolstered by an additional $840,000 to tackle wild fallow deer numbers in peri-urban areas across the state.

“This Budget delivers a strong economy and caring community, investing $639,000 over the next four years to make sure people do the right thing on our waterways with increased compliance and enforcement checks.

“To help tackle the issues under the water, the 2026-27 Budget injects an additional $1 million into the Abalone Industry Reinvestment Fund, supporting significant and ongoing efforts of the Tasmanian Government to control the invasive long-spined sea urchin and ensure sustainability across the Abalone industry.

“We are getting the balance right, ensuring our economy continues to be strong, resilient, and well positioned for the future.”

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