Performance, Data & Insights 2018
FOREWORDS
Minister for Primary Industries
The NSW Government’s $1 billion commitment through the 2018-19 budget will ensure this state’s farmers and our primary industries are supported to deliver world-class products at home, across the country and around the globe.
This investment will deliver essential programs to increase on-farm productivity, support farmers in drought, ensure the state’s strong biosecurity status, battle pests and weeds, ensure sustainable fish stocks for recreational and commercial fishers and continue to deliver innovation through a portfolio of research and development projects across the state.
While some areas of primary industries are experiencing buoyant market conditions, there is no doubt the current seasonal conditions are serious and challenging for many producers. As Minister for Primary Industries, I am committed to continue building strong foundations to support our primary producers to meet these challenges head on.
We look forward to better seasons ahead for all our primary producers to build resilience and increase productivity, benefiting all NSW communities.
The Hon. Niall Blair, MLC
Director General NSW DPI
This year saw NSW DPI continue its strong reputation in research and development aimed at boosting the value of NSW Primary Industries. In June 2018, our commitment was rewarded when the NSW Government announced $50 million for world class food and fibre infrastructure across rural and regional NSW.
NSW DPI will invest in state-of-the-art research facilities to increase primary industry productivity across cropping, livestock, pastures and aquaculture and continue to build DPI’s reputation as a world leading primary industries research provider.
The cyclical nature of primary industries was endured by many this past year. Unfortunately, the challenges are set to continue with the official forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology pointing to a higher chance of warm, dry conditions. As forecast last year, cropping output halved while livestock industries experienced mixed fortunes. The lag effect of the dry conditions however, will likely result in lower output in the coming year.
NSW DPI will continue to work across a variety of industries and countries to promote our sector and identify opportunities for expansion. This work not only promotes our regional produce, but better informs our producers.
Scott Hansen
INDUSTRIES
NSW DPI initiatives support a range of primary industries
