DPIPWE’s annual report for 2021 highlights the overall strength of agriculture in Tasmania despite a decline in the area of poppies grown.
The report covers the projected profits and losses across the industries under the umbrella of DPIPWE that includes agriculture and fisheries.
It also outlines reports on other output groups such as Parks, Biosecurity and Water Resources.
A major highlight in the report is the outlined continued strength and stability of the primary industry sector in the state.
DPIPWE has listed an expected target of $1.88 billion generated from the industry for 2020/2021, despite the major restrictions brought about by Covid-19.
$1.87b was generated in 2019/2020, while 10 years ago, the industry generated $1.15 billion.
Also outlined in the report was movements within the poppy industry in Tasmania. Collated by the Poppy Advisory and Control Board, the report detailed fluctuations between costs, approved grower licenses and the number of hectares harvested.
For the 2020/2021 season, 8282 hectares of poppies were harvested, down from almost 11,000 the previous season and a significant drop from the 2012 peak, where about 28,000 hectares were harvested.
According to the PACB, the reduction in hectares harvested over time is attributable to stable global stocks and the need to balance supply and demand, as well as increases in yield from changed farming and manufacturing processes.
The number of licensed growers approved also dropped, down to 306 from 354 the previous year and about 1000 in 2012.
The reduction in the number of licences issued or active over time is attributable to stable global stocks and the need to balance supply and demand, while their associated increased cost is also attributed to the reduction of growers.
Hectares harvested since 2017-18 have been fewer than the number of hectares approved for planting due to the number of hectares sown being less than those approved.
The detailed report, which also contains detailed information of other similar industries can be viewed on the DPIPWE website (dpipwe.tas.gov.au)