Queensland agriculture defies lack of rainfall to hold steady in value

Published Sunday, 03 June, 2018 at 08:55 PM

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries
The Honourable Mark Furner

The latest AgTrends report shows that despite the majority of the state remaining drought declared, the value of Queensland agriculture is still well above the five-year average with a number of products soaring in value.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development Mark Furner said as at April 2018, the value of the state’s primary industries commodities was forecast to be $19.45 billion.

“Turf remains in high demand, with the big movers in terms of value including peanuts and table grapes,” Mr Furner said.

“Other commodities showing a jump in value are mangoes, poultry and soybeans.

“The value of our iconic mangoes is forecast to be $113 million, 18% higher than the previous forecast and 50% higher than the average over the past five years.

“Despite the impacts of Cyclone Debbie last year, the weather was generally favourable leading to higher production across our growing regions and matching high demand from Christmas onwards.”

Minister Furner said while the value of eggs was down marginally, the forecast of $237 million was still almost 20% higher than the average for the past five years.

“Egg consumption is increasing nationally, and Queensland’s egg producers have increased capacity to meet this demand,” he said.

“There has been a fall in the value of cereal grains including barley, sunflowers, mung beans, chickpeas, grain sorghum and wheat, largely due to insufficient rainfall and a reduced yield.

“In the area of aquaculture, overall value is down with a drop-in prawn farming production due to white spot disease. However, our second largest product barramundi is up in value with increased production.

“Likewise, the freshwater fish sector has also risen in value, along with redclaw and oysters.”

For more information or to read the current AgTrends report, visit www.daf.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.

Media: Brock Taylor - 0427 018 178