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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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Have Your Say – Vote Now for SA’s 2025 Agricultural Town of the Year
28 May
Public voting is now open for the 2025 South Australian Agricultural Town of the Year Award, with a record 97 towns nominated from across the state — each showcasing the strength, spirit, and significance of agriculture in their local communiti…Read more about Have Your Say – Vote Now for SA’s 2025 Agricultural Town of the Year -
Fodder delivered to drought-impacted farmers on Eyre Peninsula
26 May
Eyre Peninsula farmers battling the ongoing effects of drought received vital support this week, with 80 tonnes of fodder delivered to 11 primary producers near Petina as part of the Malinauskas Government’s $73 million Drought Support Package.…Read more about Fodder delivered to drought-impacted farmers on Eyre Peninsula -
Shark warning systems and trauma kits rollout underway
26 May
The first in a series of valuable measures aimed at reducing the risk and impact of shark interactions along South Australia’s coastline have been implemented.Read more about Shark warning systems and trauma kits rollout underway -
Applications now open for Best Of Wine Tourism Awards
22 May
Entries are now open for 2026 Great Wine Capitals’ Best Of Wine Tourism Awards, providing an opportunity for South Australia’s incredible wine tourism operators and wine producers to put themselves forward to be recognised on the global s…Read more about Applications now open for Best Of Wine Tourism Awards -
Last call for regional sporting clubs to get around Drought Relief Round
20 May
Sport and active recreation clubs impacted by drought in regional and greater metropolitan areas have a week left to apply for a new grant program, set to deliver targeted relief to help communities stay active.Read more about Last call for regional sporting clubs to get around Drought Relief Round -
Assisting farmers with wild rabbit control
20 May
Limestone Coast farmers are invited to attend breakfast events this week to learn more about the wild rabbit control program being funded through the Malinauskas Labor Government’s $73 million Drought Support Package.Read more about Assisting farmers with wild rabbit control -
Fishers busted trying to smuggle squid at Black Point
19 May
Another recent seizure of illegally caught squid by Fisheries Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), is a reminder to fishers that they can face the possibility of significant fines, loss of fishing equipment and pote…Read more about Fishers busted trying to smuggle squid at Black Point -
Protecting every orchard: Strong measures to protect the Riverland from fruit fly
16 May
As winter approaches, The Department for Primary Industries (PIRSA) is continuing to combat fruit fly with a range of tactics as part of its strategically coordinated pest response plan.Read more about Protecting every orchard: Strong measures to protect the Riverland from fruit fly -
Harvest completed but significant rainfall needed to improve conditions
15 May
South Australia’s estimated grain production for 2024/25 has come in at 5.2 million tonnes, following a challenging season as the Malinauskas State Government continues to roll out the $73 million Drought Support Package.Read more about Harvest completed but significant rainfall needed to improve conditions -
Abalone fisher issued hefty fine for illegal take
6 May
A Melbourne man has been convicted and ordered to pay fines and costs of more than $3,000 for possessing a commercial quantity of Blacklip Abalone in the state’s South East.Read more about Abalone fisher issued hefty fine for illegal take
