Farmers Earn High Marks in Ag Scorecard

The rural community is buoyed today by the news that agricultural production in the sector grew by 5 percent in 2022-23, according to data published this week in the Tasmania Agri-Food Scorecard.

TasFarmers President Ian Sauer welcomed the results, congratulating farmers and everyone beyond the farm gate for contributing to such a positive outcome.

“We want to take this moment to congratulate our members, farmers, rural communities, and everyone beyond the farm gate who adds value to Tasmania’s world-class agricultural sector,” Mr Sauer said.

"Agriculture is an economic pillar of Tasmania’s wellbeing, and without it, our country towns simply couldn’t survive, let alone thrive. But farming is more than just economic output; it’s the three-legged stool that delivers economic, social, and environmental benefit. 

"Inside the farm gate, we’re among the most efficient. However, we face significant hurdles, including high rates and the rising cost of doing business. 

"Market Access for primary producers, needs to improve. Tasmania exports a bulk of its produce, and of course shipping across Bass Strait is expensive. We must have a more efficient shipping regime for freight if we're to reach the government's farm gate goal of $10 billion by 2050. 

"By extension, cutting red and green tape is crucial, as excessive regulation directly erodes the sector’s profitability. Too often, bureaucracy acts like a fire blanket, smothering communities and stifling economic activity. 

“We need to take a hard look at how to make farming businesses across Australia, particularly in Tasmania, sustainable for the long term. At the heart of that is fostering a positive environment that instils confidence in people to invest,” he said.

For more information and to read the scorecard, visit the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) website: https://nre.tas.gov.au/agriculture/multifaceted-agriculture/facts-figures/tasmanian-agri-food-scorecards