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Government of South Australia - Department of State Development

    Food and agribusiness

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    South Australia’s globally competitive produce is exported all over the world – accounting for about half of all South Australian merchandise exports.

    Our premium food, beverage, agricultural and forestry products are key inputs that support food security and high-end consumption across the Indo-Pacific.

    South Australia’s food and agribusiness sector is built on a strong foundation of research and innovation; together with well-established resource management, robust biosecurity frameworks, and comprehensive food safety and quality assurance standards.

    As a leader in sustainability, the South Australian Government has demonstrated its commitment to work with industry, businesses, and research partners to develop technology and strategies to decarbonise and grow sustainably.

    We have the workforce and the know-how to harvest and produce quality products to support food security locally and for our international partners.

    South Australia is home to a strong and growing green economy ecosystem, supporting Australia and the Indo-Pacific region.

    It assists in decarbonising our manufacturing sector by leveraging renewable energy resources and world-leading innovation in resource recovery and circular practices.

    South Australia’s comprehensive approach to environmental management² is critical with 84 per cent of the state’s exports having at least moderate dependence on nature.

    ² Nature-positive advantage: implications and opportunities for South Australia, EY, 2024.

    World-leading food and agribusiness strengths

    Food and agribusiness highlights

    Investment and trade opportunities

    • Tech-driven, large scale and intensive primary production
    • Manufacturing premium, value-added food and beverage where it grows
    • Future food industries including plant and alternative proteins through innovative technology and research commercialisation
    • Agritech, foodtech and future food capability to increase productivity, sustainability and efficiency
    • Sustainable food and feed production from a nation-leading circular economy supply chain
    • Agricultural commodity exports, including grains, pulses, and oaten hay
    • Premium fresh and frozen food exports, including seafood, red meat, dairy, and horticulture products
    • Packaged food and beverage exports.

    Green economy leadership

    Green economy highlights

    Target markets

    • China and Hong Kong
    • Japan and Korea
    • Southeast Asia
    • US
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • Australia.

    South Australian Government supported initiatives

    The Biosecurity Act 2025 provides a contemporary framework to protect South Australia’s primary industries from pests, diseases, and other biosecurity risks.

    The Premium Food and Beverages Export Growth program, administered by DSD, will help South Australian exporters make connections with importers and distributors through inbound immersion, food activations and promotions with leading national and international retail and hospitality partners.

    The South Australia Food and Beverage Five-Year Export Strategy, led by Food South Australia and supported by DSD, sets the goal of increasing export sales from $2.6 billion to $3 billion by 2027.

    The South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) delivers applied science that underpins the growth and sustainability of South Australia’s primary industries, food and wine.

    South Australian industry supported ecosystem

    The South Australian Government works closely with the following organisations to facilitate trade and investment outcomes for the state.