NSW agricultural exports earned a record $6.7 billion in 2015, driven by strong global demand and assisted by the lower Australian dollar. 

Locally it was very good news for our wine producers with wine exports moving into the top five 2015 exports due to the growing demand for NSW wine in key markets - increasing 9 per cent to $510 million.

Minister for Primary Industries Lands and Water Niall Blair, said the 10 per cent increase in NSW agriculture export values last year is a reflection of the efficiency of the state’s primary producers across the state.

“The growth in export values in 2015 is a great indication for the future prospects for the agriculture sector in NSW,” Mr Blair said.

“We produce some of the world’s highest quality food and fibre and the rest of the world can’t get enough what is produced here in NSW,” Mr Blair said.

“I am determined to continue to improve market access and ensure the NSW Government provides every opportunity to grow the $12 billion primary industries sector, which supports more than 100,000 jobs in regional NSW.”

The highest value exports were beef, wool, cotton and wheat. The biggest mover was legumes, with the strongest percentage growth in 2015 of more than 200 per cent to value $250 million.

Beef and wool demand remained strong with NSW beef exports bringing $1.7 billion to the state’s economy – an increase of 22 per cent or $308 million, and wool an increase of 20 per cent or $100million, to $610 million.         

Some of the key export markets included India, Japan, United States, China and South East Asia.