NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

2023-24 Performance, Data & Insights for Primary Industries in NSW now available on NSW DPIRD website

More topics in this section

25 Nov 2024

The NSW Primary Industries sector has demonstrated its ongoing strength and resilience, with the newly released Performance, Data & Insights for 2023-24 showing strong results despite external pressures from drier seasonal conditions, volatile prices and biosecurity challenges.

The 2023-24 PDI results represent the third-highest Gross Value of Production (GVP) on record and the third consecutive year GVP has surpassed $20 billion.

The 2023-24 GVP is 23% above the 10-year average, demonstrating the ongoing strength and resilience of the state’s agricultural, fishing and forestry sectors.

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) Deputy Secretary for Agriculture and Biosecurity Rachel Connell said the results highlight the ongoing resilience of the sector.

“Exports reached $11 billion, the third highest on record and 37% higher than the 10-year average," Ms Connell said.

“Overall GVP was supported by a 7% increase in horticulture GVP to $3.2 billion, and a 2% increase in livestock GVP to $7.9 billion.

Winter crops were impacted by drier conditions, but overall cropping GVP was 27% above the 10-year average.  Summer crop production was particularly resilient, and cotton exports reached a record $2.9 billion in 2023-24."

Sector breakdown for the Primary Industries portfolio 2023-24 showed:

  • GVP cropping remains 27% above the 10-year average, despite a decrease of 19% to $8.2 billion from record highs last year. While reduced wheat and oilseed production played a role in the decline, strong yields from cotton and pulses helped balance out the overall result.
  • Livestock GVP increased by 2% to $7.9 billion and was 15% above the 10-year average. Production growth in most livestock categories was tempered by lower prices for red meat, which limited overall growth. The dairy, egg and poultry meat industries were all strong contributors to growth.
  • Horticulture GVP rose by 7% to $3.2 billion, a notable 43% above the 10-year average, with improved labour availability and lower input costs contributing to stronger production.
  • Forestry GVP decreased by 8% to $389 million as softwood production continued to be impacted by a decrease in housing construction.
  • Fisheries GVP slightly decreased 0.5% to $205 million, due to the impact of white spot disease on prawn farming.

Looking ahead, the outlook for 2024-25 is positive, with expectations of improved seasonal conditions, higher livestock prices and increased crop production. Preliminary forecasts suggest GVP could rise to $22.8 billion, an increase of 14% year-on-year.

"With improved conditions expected for the coming season, we’re optimistic that GVP will grow further, supported by stronger production in key sectors such as red meat and crops," Ms Connell said.

"The outlook for NSW primary industries remains positive as we move into 2024-25."

For more information about the latest data on NSW primary industries, visit the NSW DPIRD website – https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/publications/pdi/2024

Media contact: pi.media@dpird.nsw.gov.au

www.dpi.nsw.gov.au