Home
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
-
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
-
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 -
Get the latest PIRSA information at the South East Field Days 2025
20 March
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) will be offering a one-stop-shop on its services, programs and initiatives at this year’s South East Field Days.Read more about Get the latest PIRSA information at the South East Field Days 2025 -
Gill-ty fisher pays the price for targeting protected species
11 March
A Port Lincoln man has been fined nearly $5,000 for illegally taking fish protected under the current Snapper fishing closures.Read more about Gill-ty fisher pays the price for targeting protected species -
Closure of Southern Zone Abalone Fishery due to AVG
6 March
A closure on the take of abalone from the Southern Zone is now in place due to the impact of the abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG) outbreak.Read more about Closure of Southern Zone Abalone Fishery due to AVG -
Stop and drop to travel smart this long weekend
5 March
Travellers heading to or returning to the Riverland this forthcoming long weekend are being reminded by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) about the importance of leaving restricted produce at home.Read more about Stop and drop to travel smart this long weekend -
SA’s green credentials on display through new Carbon Farming series
4 March
South Australia’s green credentials – and the commitment to Net Zero by 2050 – are highlighted through a series of videos showcasing how carbon farming and innovative land management practices are helping to combat climate change th…Read more about SA’s green credentials on display through new Carbon Farming series -
Stop the sharing of home-grown produce
19 February
Riverland residents in fruit fly outbreak areas are being urged to refrain from selling or sharing home-grown host fruits and vegetables.Read more about Stop the sharing of home-grown produce -
Four inspiring South Australian women selected as finalists for AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award
17 February
A leader in livestock reproduction technologies, a businesswoman combining technology, education and agriculture, a voice coach providing communication training to people in regional areas and an eco-conscious meal champion have been shortlisted as t…Read more about Four inspiring South Australian women selected as finalists for AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award -
Alleged abalone traffickers caught red-handed
14 February
Three alleged abalone traffickers will face court after being caught with more than 35 kilograms of greenlip and blacklip abalone taken from South Australian waters.Read more about Alleged abalone traffickers caught red-handed
