Premier's Message

In addition to our reputation for producing distinctive, world-class foods, South Australia is now becoming increasingly known for its environmentally sustainable, or “green”, cuisine.

As it enters its second decade, the South Australian Premier’s Food Awards are doing their bit to help the environment by becoming a carbon neutral event in 2008.

The Awards showcase the businesses and products that have helped establish our State as a producer of excellent niche and gourmet foods.

But South Australia’s food industry remains vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, especially in the areas of horticulture, grain and seafood production.

As influential members of our food industry, you have the opportunity to play a significant role in reducing the effects of climate change by encouraging the purchase of fresh, local produce, using safe alternatives to chemicals, installing water recycling facilities and using recyclable packaging materials among other measures.

The theme of this year’s Awards is “Growth”, and under the South Australian Food Plan that was re-launched last year, we are targeting growth in finished foods of 8 per cent per year to be worth $5.2 billion by the end of 2010.

That target represents growth of around $120 million annually, which means there are great opportunities for food producers to meet the new challenges, take risks and step into the unknown.

After all, it’s from little things that big things grow.

So I hope that you use this booklet to apply for the 2008 Awards which will recognise and reward those in the food industry who follow in our great South Australian tradition of excellence, innovation and leadership.

By doing so, you will encourage growth in one of this State’s most important industries.

Mike Rann
Premier of South Australia