Investing in Tasmania. All you need to know.
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- Renewable Energy in Tasmania
Our pristine environment and reputation for high quality ensures premium prices
Tasmania’s brand for fine food and wine has created significant overseas and interstate export marketing opportunities with increasing demand for all things grown and produced in Tasmania.
Agriculture is a major industry and a significant contributor to the Tasmanian economy with activities falling into five main areas:
- traditional mixed farming incorporating broad acre cropping and including poppies and pyrethrum, wool and livestock production
- dairy
- fruit and vegetable production
- viticulture and hops
- alternative niche products such as wasabi, ginseng, olives, herbs, cut flowers and bulbs.
In recent years, the gross value of agriculture and aquaculture production has increased significantly. There has been strong growth in seafood, vegetables and livestock.
We have a growing reputation for our innovative approach to agricultural production and the introduction of industry clusters have led to new markets and opportunities. Examples include the recent development of cherries, cool climate wines and truffles.
Opportunities exist for investment in primary production in key sub-sectors such as:
- dairy
- horticulture
- viticulture and protected cropping
- downstream value-adding and processing operations
The impact of irrigation in the Coal River Valley
The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts commissioned the Australian Innovation Research Centre (AIRC) to conduct a study of the innovation capability within the Coal River Valley following the introduction of irrigation in the valley. The report, available here, includes some inspirational case studies.
Tasmania offers
- Exceptional conditions
A temperate climate, distinct seasons, reliable rainfall, clean air, and rich, fertile soils - Disease-freedom
The only Australian state free from fruit fly, potato cyst nematode, tobacco blue mould, and other major pests and diseases - Security
Bio-security is high, with a moratorium on genetically modified crops until 2014 - Infrastructure support
Major irrigation projects to efficiently and sustainably utilise our significant water resources - Strong trade
Proven domestic and international markets - Research and development partnerships between industry, university and government
Our significant research and development community works together for improved productivity, safe food production, and resource management - Out-of-season supply
Our location allows us to supply out-of-season fresh produce to northern hemisphere markets.
See all of Tasmania’s food opportunities.
Aquaculture
Tasmania is home to a strong commercial fishery industry including- Atlantic salmon
- Ocean trout
- Pacific oysters
- Blue mussels
- Abalone
We also offer a wild fishery industry in abalone, rock lobster, scallops, giant crab and fin fish.
Our high-quality produce and minimal disease ensure that local products attract a premium price in overseas markets including Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, USA and China.
The Tasmanian Seafood Industry Scorecard shows that gross value of Tasmanian fishing production, aquaculture production and wild fisheries continue to show significant growth.
Commercial fishing has also contributed to a large local seafood processing industry.
Opportunities for investment exist in:
- farming innovation
- value-adding and downstream processing operations
- aquaculture production, particularly the development of new species.
Thinking about investing or setting up an aquaculture business here?
We offer:
- Natural environment
Favourable growing conditions and climate, clean cool water and disease-free status
- Strong regulatory framework
Ensures the ongoing sustainability of the catch
- Size and scalability
The world’s largest wild abalone fishery and Australia’s largest salmon producing state
- International reputation
Our quality attracts premium prices.
Further information on agriculture, aquaculture and food
Tasmania Delivers - Export
Tasmanian Food Opportunities
Food and Agriculture
Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research
Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association
Farm Point
Tasmanian Agricultural Productivity Group
Fruit Growers Tasmania
Tasmanian Dairy Industry
Seafishing and Aquaculture Information
Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute
Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council
Tasmanian Salmonid Growers Association
Tasmanian Rock Lobster Industry
Testimonials
National Foods
National Foods is one of Australasia’s largest food and beverage companies. We have built our business on great people and great brands and Tasmania provides us with both of these. Our skilled, passionate and intuitive Tasmanian cheesemakers produce quality cheeses that offer luxurious textures and distinctive aromas. They also showcase that Tasmania offers geographic and latitude similarities to the famous French cheesemaking province of Normandy.- Peter Watt, Operations Director Cheese, National Foods
Tasmania Feedlot
Overseas markets are praising our Tasmanian beef as a high quality, world class product. Japanese consumers are recognising the Tasmanian difference - the state offers something better than the rest of Australia with its wonderful pristine environment. We also have a true competitive advantage with Tasmania’s guarantee of no hormone growth promotants and that all feed is GM free.- Andrew Thompson, Managing Director, Tasmania Feedlot
A wholly owned subsidiary of the Japanese AEON group