Victoria is exporting more food and fibre than any other state in Australia, representing a total value of $11.9 billion in 2015-16.
According to the 2015-16 Food and Fibre Export Performance Report released today, Victoria takes up only 3 per cent of the country’s land mass, but accounts for 26 per cent of Australia’s food and fibre exports.
The Andrews Labor Government has identified food and fibre as one of six key industry sectors set to underpin Victoria’s future economic growth and jobs.
Victorian produce continues to be in high demand across the globe, with increasing demand from Asia, with our reputation for producing high quality, clean and healthy food giving the state a competitive edge.
More than 80 per cent of Australia’s dairy exports, 48 per cent of horticultural exports and 39 per cent of prepared food exports come from Victoria.
Horticulture, prepared foods and wine production were the big winners, significantly increasing their exports. Highlights of the Report include:
- China was Victoria’s top food and fibre export valued at $3.1 billion, up 10 per cent
- Horticulture exports increased 31 per cent to $1.1 billion
- Wine production increased by 26 per cent to $251 million
- Prepared foods surged by 38 per cent to $1.3 billion
- Red meat ($2.7 billion), Dairy ($1.9 billion), Animal fibre ($1.6 billion), Grains ($967 million).
Despite drought affecting producers in the state’s north west, and dairy farmers across Victoria being dealt a cruel blow with milk price cuts, red meat, dairy, sheep and grain growers have performed exceptionally well.
The Government is delivering a $27 million Drought Support Program and a $13.5 million Dairy Response Package to build a food and fibre sector resilient and responsive to an unpredictable climate and variable global market.
The Government is also supporting primary producers by investing in the transformational $416 million Murray Basin Freight Rail, $200 million Agriculture Infrastructure and Jobs Fund, the $200 million Future Industries Fund and the $20 million Food Source Victoria initiative.
The full report is available at .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“The resilience and ingenuity of our primary producers continues to place Victoria as the top food and fibre exporting state in the nation.”
“The Andrews Labor Government is giving our producers the tools and support they need to capitalise on the global stage while managing an unpredictable climate and volatile market.”
“The heart and soul of agriculture is well and truly in Victoria, and with the right investment and support we are confident our state will continue to thrive. Investing in agriculture means more jobs for regional Victorians.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020