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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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One million kilos of produce collected and counting
20 November
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has reached a huge milestone in the fight against fruit fly, with one million kilograms of host produce having been collected in the Riverland since December 2020.Read more about One million kilos of produce collected and counting -
Are ewe eID ready? Assistance available ahead of mandatory electronic tagging
13 November
With the date for mandatory electronic identification (eID) for sheep and farmed goats fast approaching, the State Government has invested $10.2 million into a range of assistance measures to ensure producers have the best tools for a successful tran…Read more about Are ewe eID ready? Assistance available ahead of mandatory electronic tagging -
Drought workshops roll out across SA
12 November
Workshops aimed at elevating teamwork and preparing farm businesses to meet the challenges of drought and climate change are rolling out across South Australia over the next few months.Read more about Drought workshops roll out across SA -
SA’s agriculture research and innovation to drive Net Zero by 2050
7 November
Research into lowering greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural practices will be spearheaded by South Australia through an $8.4 million commitment, alongside partnerships between State and Federal Governments and industry.Read more about SA’s agriculture research and innovation to drive Net Zero by 2050 -
Next steps in preparing SA for varroa mite
6 November
South Australia's preparedness for the possible incursion of varroa mite and its future management has taken the next step as the SA Varroa Detection Response and Transition to Management Plan has been approved by industry and is now available.…Read more about Next steps in preparing SA for varroa mite -
Visiting for VAILO? Check your car before hitting the road
6 November
Car enthusiasts travelling through the Riverland for the VAILO Adelaide 500 need to eat or bin restricted produce or leave it at home – or risk getting a $417 fine.Read more about Visiting for VAILO? Check your car before hitting the road -
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
