Premier

Victoria Stays Number One As Food And Fibre Exports Hit New Record

23 September 2015

Victoria has remained Australia’s biggest food and fibre exporter as exports reached an all-time high of $11.6 billion in 2014-15, a $282 million increase from 2013-14.

Acting Premier and Minister for Employment Jacinta Allan today released the 2014-15 Victorian Food and Fibre Export Performance Report while visiting Victoria’s top agriculture event, the Royal Melbourne Show.

Ms Allan said the strong results in the report are a testament to the hard work of the state’s food and fibre producers.

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.

With the right support, there is an enormous opportunity for Victorian agriculture to continue to capitalise on increasing demand from Asia’s growing middle class for our fresh, top quality produce.

The Labor Government has undertaken a number of initiatives to support primary producers including the transformational $416 million Murray Basin Freight Rail, $200 million for an Agriculture Infrastructure and Jobs Fund, as well as the $200 Future Industries Fund to help key growth sectors such as food and fibre.

In 2014-15, food exports alone were worth $8.7 billion, while fibre products such as wool, skins and hides, and forest products increased by $250 million from 2013–14, to be valued at $2.9 billion.

Meat and dairy were Victoria’s highest export earners, accounting for 44 per cent of the total value of the state’s food and fibre exports. Highlights of the Report include:

  • Meat exports were up 33 per cent to $3.1 billion, making the industry the state's highest valued export.
  • China was Victoria’s top food and fibre export market, valued at $2.8 billion.
  • Wool exports performed strongly, up 15 per cent to $1.6 billion.
  • Horticulture exports increased 131 per cent over the past five years to be valued at $909 million.

The 2014-15 Victorian Food and Fibre Export Performance Report is at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/exportsExternal Link

Quotes attributable to Acting Premier and Minister for Employment Jacinta Allan

“These outstanding trade figures highlight the strong contribution that our primary producers make towards Victoria’s economy. Our State’s ongoing prosperity relies on their hard work, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.”

“The Andrews Labor Government will never rest on its laurels and that’s why we will continue to make the investments our primary producers need, so that Victorian food and fibre remains number one.”

“We’re putting agriculture at the heart of Victoria’s economic development so that our farmers and industries can grow and prosper from paddock to port.”

Reviewed 10 February 2021

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