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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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Vote for your favourite SA wine tourism business in global People's Choice Awards
5 November
South Australians are encouraged to vote in the Global Best Of Wine Tourism People's Choice Awards with six South Australian wine businesses in the running to be crowned the world’s favourite.Read more about Vote for your favourite SA wine tourism business in global People's Choice Awards -
$2.5m SA Wine Recovery Program supporting industry recovery
1 November
A $2.5 million program is being established by the Albanese and Malinauskas Governments to support the SA wine industry to return to productivity and recover from adverse events and market disruptions experienced in recent years.Read more about $2.5m SA Wine Recovery Program supporting industry recovery -
Penola named South Australian Agricultural Town of the Year 2024
31 October
Penola, in South Australia’s Limestone Coast, has been named the 2024 Agricultural Town of the Year, in recognition of its dedication to agriculture, agricultural education, and community.Read more about Penola named South Australian Agricultural Town of the Year 2024 -
Aquaculture farming opportunities available in the Lower Eyre Peninsula
30 October
More than 6,000 hectares of water off the coast of Port Lincoln is now available to be leased to suitably qualified individuals or companies for aquaculture farming activities.Read more about Aquaculture farming opportunities available in the Lower Eyre Peninsula -
SA’s Feral Deer Eradication Program is delivering for farmers and the environment
30 October
The South Australian Feral Deer Eradication Program has achieved a significant milestone with more than 20,000 deer now removed from across the state.Read more about SA’s Feral Deer Eradication Program is delivering for farmers and the environment -
Crab fishers urged to stick to the limits or feel the pinch
29 October
More than $25,000 in fines have been issued during October to recreational fishers caught flouting the rules, taking undersized Blue Swimmer Crabs and exceeding bag limits.Read more about Crab fishers urged to stick to the limits or feel the pinch -
SA’s lab testing facility ready in the fight against Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV)
25 October
The first South Australian-based testing laboratory for ToBRFV at the Waite campus of the University of Adelaide has commenced – a significant next step in the ongoing response to this highly contagious plant disease.Read more about SA’s lab testing facility ready in the fight against Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) -
SA success at global wine tourism awards
25 October
A South Australian winery has been internationally recognised for its incredible architecture at the prestigious 2025 Global Best Of Wine Tourism Awards at Verona in Italy.Read more about SA success at global wine tourism awards -
Don’t forget to spring clean before summer arrives
23 October
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is reminding commercial growers in the Riverland of the importance of maintaining property hygiene as the warmer months approach.Read more about Don’t forget to spring clean before summer arrives -
Strict penalties for fishers who break the law in South Australian waters
21 October
Strict penalties including jail time and fines totalling more than $10,000 have been handed down by South Australian courts in recent months to fishers guilty of breaking the law.Read more about Strict penalties for fishers who break the law in South Australian waters
