The opening of Tasmanian Berries' new packing shed facility at Exton highlights the Tasmanian Government's 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future to grow our economy and support our primary industries.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, said the new facility will enable Tasmanian Berries to efficiently manage its growing business and in turn, contribute to the Tasmanian economy, by creating at least 40 new jobs.
"Tasmania has a strong agriculture sector and we're on track to sustainably reach our goal of $10 billion farm-gate value by 2050," Minister Howlett said.
"Tasmanian Berries plays a major role in the State's industry and contributes about half of Tasmania's strawberry production, as well as 24 per cent of the raspberry and blackberry, or 'rubus' berries varieties.
"Investment partnerships with commercial agriculture operations like Tasmanian Berries are providing long-term benefits right around the State."
Minister Howlett said the Tasmanian Government had previously provided $25.8 million in grant funding through the Building Projects Support Program for development projects with a construction value of at least $1 million.
Tasmanian Berries at Exton had received a grant of $605,125 in 2023, which was used to construct the new packshed facility, with cool-stores and docking bays.
According to Hort Innovation, as of June 2023, combined berry production in the state was valued at approximately $106 million, representing seven per cent of Australia's total volume.
Tasmania is the country's largest producer of rubus berries, producing approximately 3,095 tonnes of raspberries and blackberries annually, or 29 per cent of Australia's production.
"I will always back our farmers because the agriculture industry makes a huge contribution to the Tasmanian economy, and berries is one of our most productive and innovative sectors," Minister Howlett said.
"Congratulations to Tasmanian Berries on their continued investment and the support that they provide for local families and businesses through the jobs they sustain."
The Government's Building Projects Support Program, initiated by the Tasmanian Government, approved funding to support 32 job-creating projects, with a total project value of over $200 million.
