Bid to lift rural sector Average reader rating: 0
Source: www.themercury.news.com.au	Australian News    10/11/2003 09:10:32
Bid to lift rural sector TASMANIA'S primary industry sector will grow by $500 million and 2000 jobs in just five years under an ambitious State Government plan unveiled yesterday. Primary Industries, Water and Environment Minister Bryan Green launched the plan, "The State of Growth" at Deloraine, pledging a renewed focus for his department to assist primary producers reach lofty growth aims outlined in a 28-page plan. Potential values under the plan would see: Dairy farmers producing 200 million more litres than current production lifting the sector's value by $85 million to $240 million. Stonefruit production would be worth $30 million to Tasmania, six times its current value. Wine doubling in value to $98 million through increased production and better marketing. Wool growing by $95 million with a $10 million increase in wool clip. Beef growing by $25 million to $165 million. Processed vegetables topping $100 million with $12 million in growth. Aquaculture would be worth $140 million and wild fisheries $200 million. Potatoes would be worth $9 million more, taking it to an $87 million industry. Poppies and other specialty crops hitting $80 million. But several industry experts were sceptical about the targets, even though they welcomed the Government's move toward more industry support. Tasmanian Farmers and Grazier's Association president Brendon Thompson said the plan was an "initial step" and that he supported its principles of government-producer partnerships, although the goals could need adjusting. When asked if the target figures in the plan for the dairy industry were achievable, Mr Thompson said, "I think most dairy farmers would question that". TGFA Wool Council chairman Jim Cooper was another who doubted the ability of the sector to grow to the Government's expectations. "I can't see that happening, unless the Government threw the sort of money that it is prepared to throw at tourism," he said. TFGA Vegetable Council chief executive officer John Rich said he also had reservations about the plan's targets. "I can't see where the drive is going to come from to reach those levels, particularly in employment when it appears most farms are shedding employees," he said. The Tasmanian Poppy Growers Association said the Government's target for poppies was too conservative.
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