In this section:

Archived Media Releases

Agribusiness performing well

4 December 2009

A nationwide survey of the agribusiness sector has rated South Australia as the best performing State in Australia during the September quarter.

The Westpac and Charles Sturt University Agribusiness Economic Performance Index surveyed 1,200 agribusinesses, looking at average results for business performance, employment and investment.

Agriculture Minister, Paul Caica, says the despite the challenges being faced by the sectorin recent years, it had shown itself to be remarkably resilient, particularly in South Australia.

"The outstanding performance of agribusiness is a tribute to the resilience and adaptability of this important sector," Mr Caica says.

"It also reflects the hard work and commitment this Government has put in to assist this sector take advantage of the opportunities available in an increasingly competitive domestic and global market.

"South Australian agribusinesses and regions all reported positive economic performance and positive employment conditions, with the South East reporting its best result since the inception of the index."

This includes both 'upstream' businesses, such as agricultural producers and suppliers to agriculture, and 'downstream' businesses, such as related transport, manufacturing, wholesale and retail.

"The report found that 81 percent of agribusinesses in South Australia felt confident about the performance of their business over the next 12 months, a significant improvement on the June quarter result of 66 percent," Mr Caica says.

"Most encouragingly, the report's authors indicate they expect that the economic performance of South Australian agribusiness will improve in the December quarter."

Minister Caica says that the recent report of Adelaide Thinker in Resident, Andrew Fearne, highlighted the potential that exists for South Australia to position itself as the leading innovator in Australian food and wine.