The Hodgman Liberal Government is investing $600,000 into the development of the wine industry in Tasmania, which will be used to develop export and visitor markets, and build our wine’s growing global reputation.
Tasmania’s award winning wine industry continues to attract accolades both nationally and internationally, and it is important we continue to support the development of this growing industry.
Latest figures from the Wine Tasmania 2018 wine grape vintage report show that this season was the largest grape harvest to date, at 16,280 tonnes.
The wine industry is well on its way to reach its targeted growth of 1.5 million cases of wine by 2020, a trebling of wine production since 2013 and is playing a pivotal role as we work towards our vision to grow the annual farm gate value of Tasmania’s agricultural sector to $10 billion by 2050.
Wine Tasmania will use the funding to undertake a strategic and targeted promotional program to grow the presence and reputation of Tasmania and its wine in key markets. The primary focus will be on the important United Kingdom, USA, Hong Kong and domestic markets, with a secondary focus on broader Asia, specifically Japan and Singapore.
It will also support Tasmanian wine producers to explore and grow alternative markets, including export and the direct to consumer channels.
This wine project is just one part of how we are working with agricultural stakeholders to deliver the $4 million, four year, agricultural industry development and farmers extension program which is targeting eight key industry sectors also including red meat, dairy, fruit and vegetables, organics, honey, hemp and wool.
Having just returned from the trade mission to Asia and seeing first-hand the demand for Tasmanian branded and value-added produce, I understand the opportunity that export can provide the Tasmanian wine industry.
Whether it be increasing cellar door sales, boosting red meat production, supporting the growth in organic products, or growing export opportunities for fruit and vegetables we are proud to be backing Tasmanian farmers and seeing our state benefit from a vibrant and innovative agricultural sector.
More Media Releases from the Minister for Primary Industries and Water