What were the main highlights in agriculture in 2024?
We have seen some important legislative reviews completed at a state level that should improve the ongoing sustainability and productivity of our sectors. It has also been great to see important global markets reopen for the majority of SA produce during 2024.
What were the major challenges?
Weather has impacted almost all commodity sectors, with significant variation across the state due to drought. Market access challenges were an issue for several commodity groups, along with cost of living and other economic challenges impacting both large corporates and family businesses.
Why should farmers and the agriculture industry be positive about the future?
We can’t control the weather, but last sea- son highlighted the incredible resilience of our modern farming systems, and the ability of modern crop varieties to deliver on substantially reduced rainfall, and in the face of frost and other impacts is a testament to the investments made in R&D and its application by farmers and growers.
What are the opportunities and potential challenges?
We need to continue to tell the story of our significant contribution for urban and rural dwellers, the importance of our sector to the national economy, and the incredible opportunities our industries provide in career paths for younger Australians. Land use planning and the protection of good agricultural broadacre and intensive food production land is of growing concern given the housing demand pressures. Water will be a significant topic for 2025.
What are PPSA’s goals for 2025?
PPSA will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of all SA primary producers and to work closely with the government to ensure policy positions support the critical contributions that our sectors make to the SA economy; to speak to the importance of vibrant rural and regional communities, and the infrastructure and services that need to be supported and enhanced across the state.
This piece originally appeared in the 2 January 2025 edition of Stock Journal.
