New data from the Department of Primary Industries and Region’s South Australian Crop and Pasture Report has revealed that current estimated grain production for 2024–25 has been reduced to 5.3 million tonnes – a staggering 42 per cent below the five-year average and the lowest total since 2008–09.
Off the back of the report, the Opposition today met with farmers from the Mid North and Adelaide Plains – hearing their experiences firsthand as they battle through one of the driest years on record.
Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia and Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Nicola Centofanti visited the region following increased calls for support from farmers who say their livelihoods are on the line.
“What’s currently on the table from the State Government is simply not enough to hold these farmers up during a time they have described as the worst in living history,” Mr Tarzia said.
“The Government has failed to recognise how dire this situation truly is and what it means to the people living in our regions.
“Drought conditions not only impact farmers themselves, it has significant and at times detrimental impact on local businesses and communities more broadly.”
Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Nicola Centofanti highlighted that even farmers interstate have recognised how tough the South Australian agricultural industry is doing – yet the Government is nowhere to be seen on the ground.
“The fact that farmers from interstate are trucking grain in to support their peers shows a level of understanding that Minister Scriven hasn’t shown yet,” Dr Centofanti said.
“These communities need adequate and tangible support measures to help them not only navigate the remainder of this summer, but ensure they are able to reap a crop next harvest.
“While farmers are relieved that they have finally been recognised by this Government – we also note that much of the $18 million seems to be existing funding, which is extremely disappointing.”
Dr Centofanti added that the proposed assistance is tiny in comparison to the anticipated $1 billion hit to harvest revenue flagged by Grain Producers SA.
“The Opposition has been calling and will continue to call on the Government to ensure that any measures they announce will deliver practical support for our farmers,” she said.
“Many farmers are talking to me about three things on the ground - access to no or low interest loans to enable further investment into the future, the importance of seed bank subsidies to enable seeding when rainfall improves and practical support in the way of fodder to ensure they can hold onto livestock and protect the welfare of their animals.
“Some farmers have also suggested measures that assist cash flow support such as council rate relief or emergency services levy rebates to ease the burden during these unprecedented times. Unfortunately, this type of meaningful assistance is missing.
“The Government needs to consider these practical measures to assist farmers facing little or no income this season and outline further stages of support to farmers over the coming months. It is critical that we provide certainty to farmers that further, more meaningful assistance is on the way.”
