Victorian food and fibre exports hit record high

17 January 2023

Victoria’s food and fibre exports have reached a record high, valued at $17.9 billion in 2021-22 – a 29 per cent increase on the previous year.

Agriculture Victoria today released Victoria’s 2021-22 Food and Fibre Export Performance results showcasing the strength of the state’s exports.

The results cement Victoria’s position as Australia's largest food and fibre exporter by value, accounting for 26 per cent of the national total.

A Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) spokesperson said these results are a testament to the resilience and agility of our producers, manufacturers and exporters, and highlights the strong global demand for our produce.

“Our state remains on track to meet or exceed the Victorian Government’s target of increasing the state’s food and fibre exports to $20 billion by 2030.”

“We can see strong export growth across a range of industries and markets, with 10 out of 12 commodity groups registering impressive growth in export value,” said the DEECA spokesperson.

Key strengths of the Victorian food and fibre export sector include the diversity and premium quality of its commodities and food products.

Grain had another impressive year of growth, up 73 per cent to $4.4 billion, making it Victoria's most significant food and fibre export commodity, accounting for 25 per cent of Victoria's total food and fibre exports.

Meat was Victoria’s second largest export by value at $4.3 billion, up 31 per cent, while dairy exports recorded their highest value ever of $2.5 billion in 2021-22, up 23 per cent.

China remained the most valuable export market for Victorian food and fibre exports, with exports reaching $4.4 billion, up 21 per cent from the previous year.

Out of Victoria’s top five export markets, the United States and Indonesia experienced the largest growth in export value, both up 37 per cent on the previous year.

A Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) spokesperson was also encouraged by these results.

“Our exporters continue to grow and reach new markets, enhancing our reputation as a producer of high-quality products on the world stage.”

“Once again, Victoria’s farmers and food manufacturers have demonstrated their ability to deliver high quality, globally competitive food and fibre exports to the world,” said the DJSIR spokesperson.

The full export results are available here agriculture.vic.gov.au/victorias-export-performance

Media contact: Tess Astle

Phone: 0427 059 834