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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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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 -
Applications now open for standpipe upgrades in drought affected communities
5 May
Councils across drought-affected regions of South Australia can now apply for funding under the newly launched Publicly Accessible Standpipe Upgrade Fund, a further component of the Malinauskas State Government’s $73 million Drought Support Pac…Read more about Applications now open for standpipe upgrades in drought affected communities -
Scholarship recipients announced for new wine business and tourism education program
2 May
Twelve South Australian wine industry professionals have been awarded scholarships to take part in a new, innovative educational program aimed at strengthening the state’s wine tourism sector.Read more about Scholarship recipients announced for new wine business and tourism education program -
Charity hay runs now extended to dairy farmers across South Australia
2 May
South Australian Dairyfarmers will be able to access the fodder transport subsidy scheme for the first time through a partnership between the State Government and the South Australian Dairyfarmers Association (SADA), to ensure much-needed fodder is d…Read more about Charity hay runs now extended to dairy farmers across South Australia -
More fodder on the way for drought-impacted farmers
1 May
South Australian farmers battling the ongoing effects of drought are continuing to receive vital support, with thousands of tonnes of fodder already delivered and more to come under the Malinauskas Government’s expanded $73 million Drought Supp…Read more about More fodder on the way for drought-impacted farmers -
First round of new eID Producer Group announced
29 April
Six sheep and goat producer groups have been selected for a new initiative which aims to boost capability and confidence in the practical use of electronic identification (eID), for improved on-farm decision making.Read more about First round of new eID Producer Group announced -
Nominations open for SA’s 2025 Ag Town of the Year
29 April
Nominations have opened for the 2025 Agricultural Town of the Year Award – the prestigious award that recognises South Australian towns that excel in agricultural practices and are also great places to live and work.Read more about Nominations open for SA’s 2025 Ag Town of the Year -
Relief expanded to SA drought affected farmers and small businesses
23 April
Grants of up to $1,500 are now available to drought affected farming families and rural small business owners, for direct, practical support, through the State Government’s Rural Support Grant.Read more about Relief expanded to SA drought affected farmers and small businesses -
Fishers busted trying to smuggle squid at Wirrina Cove
23 April
Recent seizures of illegally caught squid by Fisheries Officers from PIRSA, is a reminder to fishers that they can face the possibility of significant fines, loss of fishing equipment and potential prosecution if caught flouting fishing rules and reg…Read more about Fishers busted trying to smuggle squid at Wirrina Cove -
Protect the Riverland this weekend
23 April
As South Australians pause to reflect and pay tribute this Anzac Day, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is encouraging travellers to protect the Riverland from fruit fly.Read more about Protect the Riverland this weekend
