Home
About PIRSA
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is a key economic development agency in the Government of South Australia, with responsibility for the prosperity of the state's primary industries and regions.
South Australia's primary industries and agribusiness generated revenue of $17.3 billion in 2021–22 with total direct employment in primary industries and associated processing at 71,000 (full-time equivalent). In the same period, these industries accounted for 51% of the state's merchandise exports.
Key topics
Major industries
-
Aquaculture
We help grow South Australia's aquaculture industry while supporting aquatic animal health through surveillance, education and managing disease risks. -
Commercial fishing
Get information about rules and regulations, licenses and registration plus size limits and management of South Australian commercial fisheries and processors. -
Food and beverage
South Australia’s food and beverage industries are a vital part of the state’s economy and there are major opportunities for growth locally, nationally and overseas. -
Forestry
We work with businesses and the community to promote the future of the forestry and wood products industry in South Australia, whilst seeking new opportunities for development. -
Grains and crops
Grains produced in SA include wheat, barley, canola, lentils, oats, peas, beans, lupins and chickpeas. See how we support and assist this increasingly sustainable industry. -
Grape and wine
South Australia accounts for almost 80% of Australia’s premium wine production, produced from some of the oldest vines in the world. See how we support this globally renowned industry. -
Horticulture
South Australia is a major producer of premium horticulture, recognised for its excellence in environmentally clean, safe and advanced agricultural production. Learn more about this vital industry. -
Livestock, wool and dairy
Generating billions for the economy, we support the livestock industry with services, advice and undertaking research and development to help increase trade and investment.
Latest news
-
Limestone Coast farmers set to benefit from new Mesonet weather network
17 April
Primary producers across the Limestone Coast can now access the latest weather information to empower them to know the safest time to apply agrichemicals with 43 new high resolution Mesonet stations operational across the region.Read more about Limestone Coast farmers set to benefit from new Mesonet weather network -
Successful applicants for SA's AgTech Producer Groups
16 April
The successful applicants for the AgTech Producer Groups initiative have been selected with $324,257 in funding allocated to help support producers in harnessing technology for industry-specific improvements.Read more about Successful applicants for SA's AgTech Producer Groups -
Holiday makers reminded of snapper bans and limits
12 April
With school holidays imminent, recreational fishers are reminded that fishing for snapper is only allowed in the South East Fishing Zone.Read more about Holiday makers reminded of snapper bans and limits -
Biosecurity awareness to restrict the spread of AVG
10 April
Fishers in South Australia's south eastern waters are being encouraged to observe good biosecurity practices over the school holidays to restrict the spread of abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG).Read more about Biosecurity awareness to restrict the spread of AVG -
Snapper community release for SA's future stocks
9 April
The South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) is hosting a community event at Black Point, on Yorke Peninsula next week to celebrate the release of thousands of baby Snapper, known as fingerlings, into Gulf St Vincent.Read more about Snapper community release for SA's future stocks -
Strong result overall for South Australia's grain industry
9 April
Despite a favourable start to the 2023–24 season, below average late winter and spring rainfall in all grain producing areas limited yield potential in a number of regions.Read more about Strong result overall for South Australia's grain industry -
Assistance for South Australian wine grape growers
8 April
Wine grape growers across the state who are experiencing challenges due to the current oversupply of red wine grapes will soon be able to access additional support through a State Government grant to Rural Business Support.Read more about Assistance for South Australian wine grape growers -
Limestone Coast armed with state's top gear for disaster risk and resilience
5 April
Funding to support disaster resilience in the primary industries has been highlighted today at the South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA) disaster resilience summit in Mt Gambier.Read more about Limestone Coast armed with state's top gear for disaster risk and resilience -
Next steps for SA's sheep and goat eID traceability system
4 April
Vital next steps for South Australia's implementation of an electronic identification (eID) traceability system for sheep and farmed goats have now been released.Read more about Next steps for SA's sheep and goat eID traceability system -
Easing of fishing restrictions in the South East as AVG response moves to management
28 March
Fishing restrictions in South East waters established to help control the abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG) outbreak have been eased, with ongoing conditions, today Thursday 28 March.Read more about Easing of fishing restrictions in the South East as AVG response moves to management
Events
- 22Apr
Community event – Snapper fingerling release
Black Point boat ramp, Yorke Peninsula, SAThe South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) is hosting a community event at Black Point to celebrate the release of thousands of... - 3May
Tasting Australia
Tasting Australia is one of Australia's longest running eating and drinking festivals – celebration and collaboration of people, produce and place lie at the heart of our existence. Ea... - 9May
Tasting Australia Masterclass – Mother Wine
University of Adelaide Masterclass PavilionA Great Wine Capitals and University of Adelaide partnership event featuring Adelaide Uni alumni and mother and daughter winemaking duo Kate and Pe...