The latest Tasmanian Agri-Food Scorecard confirmed the strength of Tasmania’s berry industry, which had a farmgate value of $80.3 million in 2016-17.

Over the past 11 years Tasmania’s berry production has grown more than tenfold in gross value.

The state’s berry industry was worth $7.3 million in 2005-06, but with producers expanding around the state and value topping $80 million it has become the highest value fruit category, Primary Industries Minister Guy Barnett said.

“This now means that Tasmania’s berry industry contributes around half the total value of fruit production in the state,” Mr Barnett said.

“Strawberries account for over 60 per cent of the production value of berries in Tasmania and, with the harvest already underway for the season, we encourage Tasmanian consumers to support our local growers.”

Tasmania’s government has set a target to grow the value of Tasmania’s agricultural sector to $10 billion a year by 2050.

“Through our comprehensive Agri-Food Plan we are working with growers, farmers and fishers across every sector to support continued industry growth and jobs and opportunities in regional communities,” Mr Barnett said.

Tasmania’s Agri-Food Plan lists initiatives the government is delivering to sustainably grow the state’s agriculture and food sectors.

The full Tasmanian Agri-Food Scorecard is released on Tuesday.