Primary production values strong despite white spot and STC Debbie

The latest AgTrends report highlights the underlying strength of Queensland’s primary production, says Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Bill Byrne.

“The report estimates the total value of our primary industry commodities for 2016-17 at $19.95 billion,” the Minister said.

“That is 20% greater than the average for the past five years and an increase on the $18.55 billion value of farm gate production and first-stage processing that was forecast late last year.

“What is remarkable is that the growth has been achieved despite the long-term impacts of a record drought, Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie and white spot disease.

“Our crustacean and horticulture industries took severe hits from the white spot virus and the cyclone, but strong growth in other sectors – notably cotton and wheat - has maintained the primary production contribution to the Queensland economy.”

Minister Byrne said the gross value of production of the Queensland crustacean industry is now forecast to be $80 million for 2016-17, a decrease of about 22% directly attributable to the continuing impact of white spot disease.

“Queensland prawn farming is now predicted to be worth $57 million, down about 31% on the previous estimate of $82.4 million,” the Minister said.

“Overall the direct economic impact of STC Debbie is estimated to be about $450 million.

“This includes about $100 million in losses to the Bowen vegetable crop and forecast yield reductions for next year’s mangos.

“It’s also important to note that the full impact of cyclone damage on the sugar cane crop won’t appear until next year’s figures as the current crop is yet to be harvested.”

The Minister said the gross value production of Queensland cotton for 2016-17 is now forecast to be $985 million, a 13% increase on the October 2016 forecast and 50% greater than the average for the past five years.

“Since the October forecast there have been significant increases in irrigated cotton plantings across the state due to improved growing conditions,” he said.

“And the gross value production of wheat is predicted to be $504 million, 40% above the previous estimate, due to good winter rainfall and soil moisture conditions at planting time.”

Cattle and calves remain Queensland’s most valuable commodity with a predicted GVP of $5.087 billion.

The other top commodities are, in descending order

Sugar cane

• Cotton
• Chickpeas
• Poultry (chicken meat)
• Bananas
• Wheat
• Pigs
• Tomatoes

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