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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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New biosecurity legislation to advance SA passes Parliament
7 February
Contemporary legislation to strengthen protections for South Australia’s $18.5 billion primary industries, the environment, and the community from pests, diseases, and other biosecurity threats has passed both houses of State Parliament.…Read more about New biosecurity legislation to advance SA passes Parliament -
Inaugural Director commences to lead Forestry Centre of Excellence
5 February
Professor Jeff Morrell has commenced as the first Director of the Forestry Centre of Excellence (FCoE), ready to lead the centre into its next chapter as an international leader in forest industries for research, education, product and market develop…Read more about Inaugural Director commences to lead Forestry Centre of Excellence -
Boost for drought resilience to SA's wine and vegetable sectors
5 February
As part of the Farm Business Resilience Program in South Australia, over $1 million has been allocated to grow the reach of a transformative program aimed at boosting drought resilience amongst South Australian viticulturalists and vegetable growers.…Read more about Boost for drought resilience to SA's wine and vegetable sectors -
Further $1.2m boost to SA’s regional community projects
5 February
The State Government has allocated an additional $1.2 million in funding to help community groups in regional South Australia bring their projects to life.Read more about Further $1.2m boost to SA’s regional community projects -
Living it up at the golf? Don’t risk a $417 fine
5 February
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is reminding people from the Riverland visiting Adelaide for LIV Golf next weekend to leave restricted home-grown fruit and vegetables behind.Read more about Living it up at the golf? Don’t risk a $417 fine -
Cutting edge research helping farmers on the Eyre Peninsula
30 January
Farmers across the Upper Eyre Peninsula will benefit from cutting-edge research to enhance productivity in a low-rainfall zone through a series of free events, thanks to the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), in the coming w…Read more about Cutting edge research helping farmers on the Eyre Peninsula -
Agtech on show in the Barossa and Loxton
30 January
The latest in AgTech targeting vineyards and orchards will be on show today (Wednesday 14 June) at the Nuriootpa Research Centre and on Friday at the Loxton Research Centre (Friday 16 June).Read more about Agtech on show in the Barossa and Loxton -
Hardwicke Bay grant success with a view to the future
30 January
A shelter looking out across the pristine sandy beach and crystal-clear water at Hardwicke Bay on the Yorke Peninsula has been completed with support from the State Government’s Thriving Communities Program.Read more about Hardwicke Bay grant success with a view to the future -
Illegal rock lobster sellers feel the pinch
29 January
Three people have been convicted and ordered to pay fines totalling more than $11,000 for selling and trading recreationally caught Southern Rock Lobster in South Australia.Read more about Illegal rock lobster sellers feel the pinch -
Over 100 truckloads of hay for SA farmers affected by drought
27 January
The delivery of more than 100 truckloads of donated hay to farming communities across South Australia, as a result of financial support from the Malinauskas Labor Government, has commenced this long weekend - assisting our primary producers through s…Read more about Over 100 truckloads of hay for SA farmers affected by drought
