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About PIRSA
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is a key economic development agency in the Government of South Australia.
We are responsible for maintaining the prosperity of the state's primary industries and regions.
South Australia's primary industries and agribusiness generated $18.5 billion of revenue in 2022–23, with direct employment and associated processing at 78,000 (full-time equivalent). These industries accounted for 51% of the state's merchandise exports.
Key topics
Major industries
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Aquaculture
We support the aquaculture industry and manage aquatic animal health with surveillance, education, and disease response. -
Commercial fishing
See the rules, licensing and registration, and fish size limits that apply to SA's commercial fisheries and processors. -
Food and beverage
Our food and beverage industries are vital to the state’s economy, with opportunities for local, national, and overseas growth. -
Forestry
We work with businesses and the community to develop world-leading initiatives for the forestry and wood products industries. -
Grains and crops
The sustainable grains industry in SA produces wheat, barley, canola, lentils, oats, peas, beans, lupins and chickpeas. -
Grape and wine
SA accounts for almost 80% of Australia’s premium wine production, with some of the oldest grapevines in the world. -
Horticulture
Our state is recognised for excellence in environmentally clean, safe, and advanced horticultural production. -
Livestock, wool and dairy
We deliver services, advice, research and development to increase the livestock industry's thriving trade and investment.
Latest news
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Building works commence for South Australia’s Forestry Centre of Excellence
11 April
The establishment of the $16 million Forestry Centre of Excellence has gathered momentum with construction commencing of the permanent purpose-built facility at Mount Gambier’s Research, Education and Training precinct.Read more about Building works commence for South Australia’s Forestry Centre of Excellence -
Gather Round the fruit fly restrictions
10 April
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) is reminding those travelling to and around South Australia for the AFL’s Gather Round to leave restricted produce behind.Read more about Gather Round the fruit fly restrictions -
SA Karenia mikimotoi algal bloom update
10 April
The South Australian Government met with relevant state and federal agencies and affected councils regarding the ongoing microalgae bloom, Karenia mikimotoi, on Wednesday 9 April.Read more about SA Karenia mikimotoi algal bloom update -
Eco-meal champion Kelly Johnson wins 2025 South Australian Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award
9 April
Entrepreneur Kelly Johnson has been named South Australia’s winner of the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award for her innovative work in transforming food waste into eco-conscious meals.Read more about Eco-meal champion Kelly Johnson wins 2025 South Australian Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award -
$55 million in new funding support for drought affected farmers across SA
8 April
The Malinauskas State Government has today announced a further $55 million package of comprehensive assistance to support drought affected farmers and communities across South Australia.Read more about $55 million in new funding support for drought affected farmers across SA -
Thriving Communities enabling upgrades at Port Broughton sporting facilities
4 April
Members and visitors at 2 Port Broughton community sporting facilities are set to enjoy easier access to clubrooms and facilities thanks to the State Government’s Thriving Communities program.Read more about Thriving Communities enabling upgrades at Port Broughton sporting facilities -
SA’s drought affected farmers score matched funding at annual soccer event
4 April
The State Government will be matching donations, dollar for dollar, to support drought affected farmers at tomorrow’s third annual Rural Support Charity Match at Coopers Stadium.Read more about SA’s drought affected farmers score matched funding at annual soccer event -
Increase in SIT locations across the Riverland
26 March
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is expanding its Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) program in the Riverland with releases now occurring across 16 outbreak areas.Read more about Increase in SIT locations across the Riverland -
PIRSA declares Mediterranean fruit fly outbreak in Ceduna
25 March
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has declared an outbreak of Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) in Ceduna and raised an emergency response team to commence outbreak eradication activities.Read more about PIRSA declares Mediterranean fruit fly outbreak in Ceduna -
eID equipment rebate available for agriculture schools
21 March
Future livestock owners and agricultural participants will be able to gain experience with the handheld scanning technology used for the electronic identification (eID) of sheep and farmed goats thanks to a new rebate available to eligible South Aust…Read more about eID equipment rebate available for agriculture schools
