Meander Valley Mayor Craig Perkins'.
AGRICULTURE dominates the Meander Valley as one of its major activities, contributing $145 million - or 13 per cent - a year to the region's economy.
Agriculture, forestry and fishing are the largest employers in the region, with more than 17 per cent of the working population involved in the three sectors, according to data put together by the Meander Valley Council.
Dairy, beef, sheep and grains contribute $86.4 million annually.
In 2009, 74 of the 453 dairy farms in Tasmania were located in the Meander Valley.
The fertile soils, ready water supply and temperate climate provide ideal farming conditions.
The Meander Valley economy is generally valued at $1.2 billion.
It is based on a diversity of industry, including a thriving manufacturing sector - unusual at a time when the state is struggling with high unemployment rates and industrial collapse.
Manufacturing contributes $341.1 million a year to the Meander Valley economy.
Tasmanian Alkaloids, near Westbury, is recognised as Australia's biggest manufacturers of active pharmaceutical ingredients and is the largest exporter of codeine and thebaine in the world.
Lime and concrete manufacturing earns the region a further $21.3 million each year.
Two other big earners are specialised machinery and equipment manufacture, $15.7 million a year, and food production, $11.8 million.
The Meander Valley is home to two annual national events that also contribute significantly to the health of the region.
Agfest, a statewide agricultural trade exhibition, attracts more than 700 exhibitors of farm machinery, fine foods, craft and fashion to Rural Youth's Quercus Park, near Carrick each year.
More than 75,000 visitors attend the three-day May event.
More than 30,000 people attend the Deloraine Craft Fair on the November long weekend to wander among 250 stalls spread over 16 venues around the town.
