PRIMARY Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff says he is optimistic about the state's agricultural future.
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Last week saw two monumental events - the release of the nation's first federal government Agriculture White Paper and the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association's biennial policy forum in Launceston.
Both events were widely praised by the Tasmanian agriculture industry and Mr Rockliff hopes the state's positive attitude is a sign of things to come.
"Confidence remains high according to the Rabobank's most recent Rural Confidence Survey and there's little surprise why, given the recent signing of the China Australia Free Trade Agreement will unlock huge opportunities with our largest trading partner," he said.
The minister, who grew up on a farm at Sassafras, said a number of milestones had been achieved since the Liberal Party claimed government in March, 2014.
"The Tasmanian and Commonwealth governments are investing $90 million to progress the five proposed tranche two irrigation schemes which, together with private investment, totals some $115 million towards these developments. Biosecurity is stronger than ever before with an additional $4 million invested in additional detector dog teams and upgrades of vital biosecurity infrastructure such as laboratories.
"Importantly, we are investing in our greatest asset, our people - with the implementation of the TFGA's Agri Skills Plan, the FarmSafe Program and an additional $2.9 million for agricultural research and development now well underway. A game-changer for the industry was the Australian government's $203 million investment to extend the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme - which the Tasmanian government and local industry lobbied hard for."
Mr Rockliff believes biosecurity - one of Tasmania's most important sectors - will also benefit well from the federal government's White Paper announcement.
Close to $250 million has been committed in the document for biosecurity in coming years.
"The White Paper demonstrates a commitment to strengthening Australia's biosecurity, which is an investment in the protection of our state's boarders, and the protection of our reputation for producing safe, clean and fresh produce.
"Additional Commonwealth support to access premium markets on top of recently signed Free Trade Agreements should benefit Tasmanian farmers and help us to reach our growth targets."