To be built on the site of the SA Produce Market at Burma Rd, Pooraka, the facility will play a vital role in protecting and expanding the state’s growing $1.4 billion horticultural industry.
The project will establish a post-harvest treatment service with pressure cooling and treatment technology, both of which are required to enable export of South Australian produce to more overseas destinations.
With South Australian producers currently required to send produce to Victoria or Queensland for treatment, the new facility – which commences construction in February – will reduce transport costs and improve profitability for producers.
This is also expected to reduce wastage and even help reduce the cost of fresh local produce at the supermarket.
The plant, which will be the largest-scale multi-treatment and inspection facility in South Australia, is funded by industry to the tune of $36 million, with the State Government tipping in $4.2 million and $9.8 million coming from the Federal Government.
SA growers have previously faced challenges in selling to certain markets in times of fruit fly outbreaks. In 2020 and 2021, SA had a med fly outbreak in metropolitan Adelaide and is currently experiencing a prolonged Q-fly outbreak in parts of the Riverland.
SA Produce Market CEO Angelo Demasi said the investment would “greatly benefit South Australian producers, consumers, and our local economy”.
“SA Produce Market is excited to host this world-leading precinct which will enable our industry to access state-of-the-art post-harvest treatment services, enabling us to deliver quality local produce even more efficiently and sustainably to our South Australian customers," Mr Demasi said.
"In addition, this project also represents a significant step towards making our produce even more attractive to our existing global customers.
“Through the introduction of this game-changing biosecurity precinct, South Australia will soon become an attractive destination for global produce companies looking to establish a presence in the Asia-Pacific region, strengthening our industry’s position in the global market, creating even more jobs, and making additional contributions to our state’s economy.”
