Local producers making the most of 2018 Games

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games are a once in a generation opportunity to focus the attention of trade and investment representatives from all across the Commonwealth.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development Mark Furner said businesses like Pure Artisan Cheese have an opportunity to showcase to the world what Queensland food is all about.

“The Palaszczuk Government is releasing a 2018 Snapshot of our wonderful Agricultural sector to provide an overview of the sector, our food industries and our productivity and performance,” Minister Furner said.

“Agriculture in Queensland contributes $20 billion a year to our economy. We have the potential to grow, but this will require innovation and capital.

“As part of the Trade 2018 Program, I look forward to meeting with delegates from the international investment community in coming days and explaining to them the sheer scale of agriculture in our state and the wealth of opportunities available to them.”

Assistant Tourism Industry Development Minister Meaghan Scanlon said it was great to finally get out and meet one of the many food producers who will capitalise on the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to helping Queensland businesses make the most of hosting the Games. “Hundreds of businesses throughout the state, including Pure Artisan have been awarded contracts at the Games. “But the best part is their products will be exposed to potentially hundreds of thousands of people. “Pure Artisan cheese will be used at Commonwealth House – a venue where some of the world’s most high-profile investors and entrepreneurs will be.”

Minister Furner said looking ahead, there were significant opportunities for the sector, including an increasingly prosperous global market that wanted safe, ethical and sustainable products.

“My message to delegates is that Queensland ticks all of those boxes, making it a very attractive investment choice,” he said.

“In taking full advantage of such opportunities, Queensland agriculture has a number of advantages – the first being its diversity.

“Our producers operate over a wide range of climates and soil types to deliver dozens of different food and fibre products.

“The second strength is agriculture’s critical role in the modern economy with trend productivity growth outstripping that of the broader economy.”

The Queensland Agriculture – 2018 Snapshot is available at www.daf.qld.gov.au

For more information about Trade 2018 visit www.embracing2018.com

Media – Tim Auguston 0417 768 626