The Tasmanian food, agriculture and fisheries industry is highly diversified with more than 70 major product groups and a mix of overseas, interstate and local markets. Food items at the farm gate or beach have a gross value of $984 million before processing and a gross value of $2.1 billion after packaging and processing (2004-05). The industry also employs approximately 20,000 people.
Approximately 60 per cent of all food produced in Tasmania is traded interstate or overseas.
Some food sectors have experienced substantial economic growth in 2006-07, particularly the salmon and dairy industry and overall food sales have increased in line with population growth and a strong tourism industry.
Climate change, the carbon footprint of food production and access to water are key challenges for the sector, as is its capacity to compete in a global market place.
