TASMANIAN farming and business leaders are urging the state government to aggressively pursue $500 million in new Chinese investment targeting Australian agriculture. China’s largest private food company plans to spend half-a-billion dollars on Australian red meat, dairy and grain supplies over the next three years. New Hope Group chairman Liu Yonghao told Fairfax Media his company was looking to pour money into food processing projects, including dairy farms and abattoirs. Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association president Wayne Johnston said the state was perfectly placed to capitalise on the investment. ‘‘Tasmanian beef is some of the best in the world and our dairy industry has phenomenal capacity for growth,’’ Mr Johnston said. ‘‘There’s definitely opportunities for another abattoir in Tasmania, so if they’re looking at investing in processing facilities, that’s a best-case scenario for everyone.’’ Mr Liu said China was looking to Australia as a solution to feed its increasingly affluent population, in the face of drought and land degradation at home. ‘‘Australia has a vast landmass, good grasslands and sunshine,’’ Mr Liu said. ‘‘It is my belief that this investment is beneficial to both sides and we will co-operate with the local companies.’’ Frank Archer, farm manager at Landfall Angus in the Tamar Valley, said growth was critical to the industry’s long-term viability. ‘‘Tasmania’s agricultural strengths lie in high quality, safe produce targeted at high-value markets,’’ Mr Archer said. ‘‘It’s critically important we maintain that point of difference and strike the right balance between corporate investment and family farms.’’ News of the $500 million cash injection comes as Tasmania prepares to host two high-level Chinese delegations and a major business forum this month. Premier Will Hodgman will also lead a week-long trade mission to China on March 27, including visits to Shanghai, Beijing, Fuzhou and Xi’an. Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairwoman Susan Parr said the state government must be bold to seize on the potential New Hope investment. ‘‘We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity here and need to grab it with both hands,’’ Ms Parr said.
Landfall's Frank Archer with some angus cattle on his family property on the East Tamar. Picture: SCOTT GELSTON
TASMANIAN farming and business leaders are urging the state government to aggressively pursue $500 million in new Chinese investment targeting Australian agriculture.
China’s largest private food company plans to spend half-a-billion dollars on Australian red meat, dairy and grain supplies over the next three years.
New Hope Group chairman Liu Yonghao told Fairfax Media his company was looking to pour money into food processing projects, including dairy farms and abattoirs.
Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association president Wayne Johnston said the state was perfectly placed to capitalise on the investment.
‘‘Tasmanian beef is some of the best in the world and our dairy industry has phenomenal capacity for growth,’’ Mr Johnston said.
‘‘There’s definitely opportunities for another abattoir in Tasmania, so if they’re looking at investing in processing facilities, that’s a best-case scenario for everyone.’’
Mr Liu said China was looking to Australia as a solution to feed its increasingly affluent population, in the face of drought and land degradation at home.
‘‘Australia has a vast landmass, good grasslands and sunshine,’’ Mr Liu said.
‘‘It is my belief that this investment is beneficial to both sides and we will co-operate with the local companies.’’
Frank Archer, farm manager at Landfall Angus in the Tamar Valley, said growth was critical to the industry’s long-term viability.
‘‘Tasmania’s agricultural strengths lie in high quality, safe produce targeted at high-value markets,’’ Mr Archer said.
‘‘It’s critically important we maintain that point of difference and strike the right balance between corporate investment and family farms.’’
News of the $500 million cash injection comes as Tasmania prepares to host two high-level Chinese delegations and a major business forum this month.
Premier Will Hodgman will also lead a week-long trade mission to China on March 27, including visits to Shanghai, Beijing, Fuzhou and Xi’an.
Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairwoman Susan Parr said the state government must be bold to seize on the potential New Hope investment.
‘‘We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity here and need to grab it with both hands,’’ Ms Parr said.
