NSW DPI initiatives support a range of primary industries
Primary producers across NSW once again faced many challenges during 2019-20. On top of a third year of drought, producers also faced intense bushfires through late 2019 and early 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 onwards.
Despite these challenges, the fundamentals which underpin NSW’s primary industries have remained strong with high demand and stable prices in most sectors.
NSW primary industries reached an estimated total output of $15.7 billion in 2019-20, a modest decline of 4% year-on-year as a result of the compounding challenges the industry faced over the year. Output excluding the service industries of hunting and recreational fishing reached an estimate of $12.2 billion.
Recreational fishing, including charter fishing, and hunting and game management activities had a combined estimated value of $3.5 billion.
The economic output detailed within the NSW Primary Industries Performance Data & Insights (PDI) each year since 2016 65 highlights the underlying strength, resilience and long-term viability of the NSW primary industry sector.
Seasonal conditions for many parts of NSW improved in the second half of the year, especially in Autumn which improved the outlook for winter crops and pasture growth. The continued favourable conditions leading to harvest is expected to see NSW primary industries well positioned for a stronger and more profitable year in 2020-21.
NSW primary industry exports earned $5.1 billion (excluding cotton exports with an estimated additional value of $611 millionaf), with large increases in beef, sheepmeat, and horticultural exports driven by both higher volumes and prices.
COVID-19 created a need for primary industries to be creative in dealing with issues such as stock sales through sale yards, disrupted supply chains and changes in end demand. However, it also provided an opportunity to highlight the critical and essential services provided by NSW primary industries. With more than 70% of Australia’s agriculture and fisheries production exported, there was little risk to food security despite the disruptions to supply chains.
This publication showcases the diversity of NSW’s primary industries and profiles key drivers of each sector.
Throughout the publication you will find case studies showcasing how DPI works to increase the value of primary industries and drive economic growth across NSW. This links with the DPI Strategic Plan for 2019 to 2023 69 which outlines the role of DPI in driving stronger primary industries across NSW.
Industry | Output (millions) | % change y.o.y |
---|---|---|
Cattle | $2,729 | +6% |
Horticulture | $1,930 | -1% |
Sheepmeat | $1,458 | +32% |
Wool | $1,098 | -6% |
Wheat | $801 | +7% |
Poultry | $783 | 0% |
Milk | $647 | +9% |
Forestry | $522 | 0% |
Other Broadacre Crops | $363 | -7% |
Cotton | $249 | -71% |
Eggs | $249 | +4% |
Pork | $245 | +26% |
Wine Grapes | $225 | -5% |
Barley | $198 | -39% |
Fisheries | $174 | -4% |
Oilseeds | $143 | -9% |
Other Coarse Grains | $127 | -35% |
Sugarcane | $65 | -11% |
Honey & Beeswax | $57 | -12% |
Pulses | $57 | -20% |
Rice | $34 | +7% |
Goatmeat | $10 | +52% |
Hunting | $1,406 | -10% |
Recreational & Charter Fishing | $2,138 | -8% |