Government Produce Department
The Government Produce Department played a vital role in growing South Australia’s agricultural exports and wealth for 80 years. It pioneered the development of refrigerated produce and rapidly expanded the lamb and mutton trade.
The Department established supply, shipping, marketing and logistics networks to the United Kingdom and Europe. By 1908, its Port Adelaide export abattoir and freezing works had the largest refrigeration capacity in Australia.
Learn about the Department's products, facilities, people, achievements, and contributions to South Australia’s agriculture industries: A story of success – South Australia’s Government Produce Department 1895 to 1975; Barry Philp, 2003 ().