Agriculture in Tasmania
A growth opportunity
Agriculture is a major employer in Tasmania and as a sector makes the largest contributor to the state’s economy. Recent investment in water infrastructure, established freight and trade networks, and a reputation for quality product mean that Tasmania’s agricultural sector continues to grow and innovate.
The state enjoys excellent growing conditions, affordable land, few pests and diseases, abundant water resources and a strong research and development capability. Collectively this supports farmers, producers and a strong fishing and aquaculture industry.
Food production in Tasmania is a thriving industry, including our fresh seafood, dairy, meat, beer, cider, whisky, wine, fruit and vegetables that are prized by chefs and consumers across the world, attracting premium prices.
Tasmania is also home to a number of research and development organisations catering directly to the sector. These include:
- The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture: a joint venture between the Tasmanian Government and the University of Tasmania to create a centre of excellence in agricultural research, development, extension, education and training;
- The Australian Maritime College: recognised globally as a centre of excellence, it has multi-million dollar teaching and research facilities along with experienced teachers and strong industry links.
- The University of Tasmania (UTAS): in the recent Academic Ranking of World Universities, UTAS was ranked in the top 2 per cent of universities world-wide, and the QS World University Rankings see UTAS among the best in the world for Earth and Marine Sciences, and Agriculture and Forestry.
- Sense – T: focusing on big data innovation in the areas of agriculture, logistics, environmental management and data science as well as sensor manufacturing.
- The Yield: an agricultural technology company.
Tasmania has many industry-leading agricultural enterprises making their mark. One example is Houston’s Farm who have created a nationally recognised brand renowned for their premium produce which is available in more than 1 400 stores nationally. Houston’s Farm was established in the 1960’s and today combines innovation, know-how and hard work to produce a premium product.
The continued growth of agriculture in Tasmania is being supported by ongoing investment in markets and infrastructure. This includes Tasmanian Irrigation, which since 2008 has been instrumental in developing and enhancing the productive capacity of the state’s agricultural industries. $220 million was set aside by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments to progress irrigation development, with more projects underway.
Online resources such as the Tasmanian Beer Trail and the Tasmanian Whisky Trail highlight a range of businesses taking advantage of the quality produce available in Tasmania.
A partnership between the Tasmanian Government and Fruit Growers Tasmania has led to the creation of the Tasmanian Agricultural Jobs website, a great place to see new jobs as they become available.
There are a wide range of employment opportunities in Tasmania for primary producers, viticulturists and distillers. These include site managers, orchard managers, farm hands, food production workers, researchers, product developers, agronomists and business managers.
If you are interested in becoming part of the Agriculture sector in Tasmania:
- visit the Tasmanian Agricultural Jobs website
- see our other articles on finding your next job in Tasmania, and fruit picking and backpacking in Tasmania
- see what’s on offer at the University of Tasmania and Australian Martine College
- browse through the range of businesses taking advantage of the quality produce available in Tasmania
- find your local industry support: