Food and Agribusiness

food and ag

The Gympie region's strong agriculture, forestry and fishing sector generated $854 million in sales and contributed $300 million in value add to the economy through the production of beef, dairy, other livestock and horticulture. This makes it one of the most viable destinations for new food and agribusiness investment in Queensland.

Nolan Meats, established in Gympie in 1958 as a family retail butchery, now has the capability to process over 2,500 cattle per week from breeding to distribution and wholesaling.

Michael Nolan from Nolan Meats said, "Gympie is a great place to invest and we see our proximity and connectivity to international air and sea terminals as a real fundamental for continued growth."

Agriculture and food product manufacturing are key economic sectors in the region.

  • Some of our key opportunities are:

    • Processing, packaging and distribution of products such as nuts, dairy products, dried and baked goods, avocado and macadamia nut oils, and a range of sauces, jams, and chutneys
    • Specialty crops that capitalise on the subtropical climate, quality soil, and reliable rainfall
    • Marine-based industries including fishing, marine supplies, and other seafood production
    • Increased export demand for local food in the Australian "foodie" market
    • Diversified farming including new crop or animal varieties, and on-farm processing
    • Agri-tourism through the development of farm-based and nature tourism activities.

    • Our region is home to recognised food manufacturers and processors supporting economic growth and employment.
    • Nestle, Nolan Meats, and Suncoast Macadamias are a few of the businesses operating in Gympie that export to the world.
    • Land and production costs are very competitive with a supportive local government planning
    • We have strong growth in boutique, value-added food processing businesses and livestock raising, including free-range and organic pork, poultry, eggs, beef and dairy products.

  • Agribusiness and agri-tourism are becoming entrepreneurial and value adding to manufacturing, education, retail and tourism.

    The majority of businesses classify as micro to small scale enterprise with many producers choosing to sell direct to local markets.

    This shortening of the supply chain and shift to local direct markets mirrors small scale farming globally.


     

    • There are 2,200 people employed to grow, manufacture and sell food and beverage in the Gympie region.
    • The average rainfall for the Gympie region is 1,124mm per year.
    • Total exports sales at $539 million.

    Source: economy.id

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