The new Food Industry Development Project is an extension of the South Australian Food Plan (2007 – 2010) and has the bold and ambitious target of eight percent growth in the value of finished food products. The plan outlines strategies to guide the industry towards a more competitive position in international trade, with increased emphasis on enterprises and products that can compete effectively in interstate and global markets.

The plan recognises the reality of the competitive food market and takes a strategic approach to identifying - and addressing – inhibitors to growth, including market development, value adding, regulatory issues, innovation and collaboration between small and medium food companies.

The headline objectives of the plan will be to develop state-wide programs in support of industry capability and development in finished food products; to encourage innovation and new products; and to support domestic and international market growth.

The new plan has a specific focus on the value added, post farm gate segment of the food industry. The focus has been narrowed and a set target percentage of growth has been established within the industry year on year. Further, the focus is now on individual firms, rather than broad industry sectors and specifically on food businesses that can achieve growth in line with SA Food Plan targets.

SA’s agrifood industry is an important contributor to SA’s economy. Gross State food revenue for 2005 – 2006 was $10 billion, with year-on-year growth of 6%. The gross value of exports from South Australia in 2005-2006 was $1.8 billion, which was represents 9% of Australia’s food exports.

Project Objectives:

The new SA Food Plan 2007-2010 has the bold and ambitious target to grow finished food products by 8% a year. The plan will help industry to step up to a whole new level of achievement by:

• Improving industry and business capability
• Fostering Innovation and new products
• Developing local, Interstate and Overseas Markets
• Support domestic and international Food Industries Market Growth
• Develop Statewide programs to support industry capability and development

Peter Webster is the Project Manager for this project. If you would like more information about this project please telephone or email Peter.