The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) has today welcomed the state Liberal Party’s vision for Tasmania’s future.

“We are excited to see agriculture front and centre in this plan,” Jan Davis, TFGA CEO said.

“Agriculture has long been one of the key economic drivers for Tasmania. At farm gate, it generates approximately $1 in every $10 in the state; post farm gate, the figure is many times higher. Around 17,500 Tasmanians are employed in the industry. Strong growth in the sector has been the economic lifeline for Tasmania in difficult times. Yet often the needs of farmers are overlooked,” she said.

“Tasmanians can’t afford to be complacent about agriculture, though. Margins are very slim and returns seem to go down more often than they increase; markets are volatile; the weather has not been kind; investment in research and development capacity has been run down; and ever-increasing regulatory costs make local product far more expensive than cheap and inferior imports. Unless we see some attention focussed on addressing these structural challenges, many farmers will be forced out of business,” Ms Davis added.

“But it doesn’t have to be that way. Our natural advantages in climate soils and water, together with our innovative and savvy farmers, mean we are well positioned to capitalise on some amazing opportunities to continue to grow and expand our agriculture industries and food manufacturing capacity.”

“The plan the Liberal Party has laid out is designed to increase on-farm productivity and efficiency gains. At the same time, it will equip farmers to seize on the huge world-wide market opportunities for Tasmanian food and fibre products, “Ms Davis said.

“We’re certainly excited to see the strategies we’ve worked hard to identify being mirrored in this vision. Given the right environment, farmers will step up to the plate and deliver even greater benefits to all Tasmanians. We look forward to working with the Liberal Party if they are elected to government to turn this vision into reality.”
TFGA chief executive Jan Davis