National Agriculture Day is our chance to celebrate and learn about our incredible farming sector and the people and places that produce Tasmania’s world-class food and fibre.
The Rockliff Liberal Government is working closely with agricultural organisations and peak bodies to support our farming families and rural communities, industry growth and job creation, and to create thriving communities.
As part of the National Agriculture Day celebrations, Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jo Palmer announced funding of $850,000 for 12 industry-led projects in diverse primary industry sectors.
This includes the red meat and wine industries, and the hemp and seed sectors as well as well-being support for farmers and promotion of our world-renowned fruit and berry industries.
“The total investment in these projects increases to more than $1.6 million when factoring in the matching industry contributions,” Minister Palmer said.
The successful projects include:
- Supporting the TFGA to continue developing a red meat industry strategic plan, and to support farmers with other issues affecting the dairy and livestock industry;
- Supporting Wine Tasmania and local wine producers to progress to a net zero carbon emissions future;
- Continuing to support agribusiness and our post-farm gate sector to promote innovations such as precision agriculture technology and agricultural education pathways through the efforts of Tasmanian Agricultural Productivity Group;
- Continuing leadership development for our rural women through Tasmanian Women in Agriculture;
- Increasing the national and global profile of the Tasmanian crop and pasture seed production industry through the Tasmanian Seed Industry Group;
- Continuing the industry building activities for the industrial hemp industry through Tasmanian Hemp Association;
- Undertaking a state-wide review of small-scale meat processing through Sprout Tasmania;
- Strategic marketing and promotion of the Tasmanian Fruit Industry through Fruit Growers Tasmania;
- Opportunities for students and early career agricultural researchers through the Crawford Fund;
- Supporting Rural Alive and Well to develop more advocates for promoting the well-being of farmers; and
- The promotion of a sustainable Leatherwood Honey Industry in the State with the Tasmanian Beekeepers Association.
Funding for the projects comes from the Government’s Strategic Industry Partnership Program (SIPP), the Bee Industry Futures Program, and the Trade Development Program of the Tasmanian Trade Action Plan 2023-24.
The Rockliff Liberal Government is doing what matters to Tasmanians by working towards its target to grow the annual farmgate value of Tasmanian Agriculture to $10 billion by 2050.
“We know agriculture is a pillar of the Tasmanian economy and it plays an enormous role in shaping our cultural and social identity: the people, the place and the stories,” Minister Palmer said.
“It’s my privilege to be able to announce funding for these important projects on National Agriculture Day.
“This national day acknowledges the wonderful achievements of our farmers and rural communities.
“I encourage all Tasmanians to take time this week to celebrate and learn about our incredible primary producers, who continue to punch above their weight.”
