Northern Territory rural industries and fisheries
Economic Outlook 2012
APRIL 2013
Overview
The rural and fisheries industries in the Northern Territory include cattle (interstate and live
export), other livestock (buffalo, crocodiles and horses), horticulture (fruit, vegetables, nursery
and cut flowers) and mixed farming (field crops, hay and seeds, and forestry). The fisheries
industry comprises harvesting of wild catch (including the Northern Prawn Fleet) and
aquaculture. A substantial recreational fishing sector generates tourism activity and provides
lifestyle amenity. The percentage contribution of each industry to the rural and fisheries total is
illustrated in Figure 1, with the cattle, fisheries and horticulture industries being the major players.
Figure 1: Contribution of Industry to Sector Production Value, 2011-12
Source: Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries data collections
Rural and fisheries industries have significant links to other sectors of the Territory economy
such as manufacturing, transport and storage, retail and wholesale trade. These industries are
vital in regional areas, providing economic stimulus and employment for approximately 3,400
persons in 2011-12 (ABS). They also account for a significant proportion of the Territory's nonmineral export revenue. Territory rural industries and fisheries accounted for 2.7% of Gross State
Product (GSP) in 2011-12, above the national proportion of 2.4% (Table 1). Exports of Territory
rural and fisheries produce are dominated by live cattle exports (mainly to Indonesia),
aquaculture, fishing, forestry and to a lesser extent agriculture services.
In 2011-12, the total estimated value of rural industries and fisheries production was $641.5
million, an increase of 12.5% over the previous year, a robust result despite the weak global
economic conditions (see Figure 2). The increase is primarily due to a 43.0% increase in the
production value of horticulture to $198.4 million, a doubling of other livestock production (mainly
crocodile production) to $22.5 million, 4.7% increase in fisheries production to $80.2 million
largely driven by the Northern Prawn Fleet bumper catch and a 0.2% increase in the value of
cattle output to $325.8 million. These were offset by a 22.9% reduction in the value of field crops
to $14.6 million.
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Economic Outlook 2012
Table 1: Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Contribution to GSP by State
2011-12
Tasmania
South Australia
Northern Territory
Queensland
Victoria
New South Wales
Western Australia
Australian Capital Territory
Australia (% of GDP)
% Contribution to
GSP
7.3%
5.7%
2.7%
2.7%
2.5%
1.7%
1.6%
0.1%
2.4%
Source: ABS 5220.0
Figure 2: Northern Territory Rural Industries and Fisheries Production Value
Source: Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries data collections
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Economic Outlook 2012
Table 2: Gross Value of Territory Rural Industries and Fisheries Production ($ million)
Value of horticultural production ($ million)
2008-09
2009-10
Mangoes
39.0
46.1
Table Grapes
3.4
3.7
Bananas
3.5
4.2
Melons
18.3
24.4
Other fruits
1.8
0.9
Vegetables
15.1
19.8
Nursery & Cut Flowers
18.2
18.7
Total
99.3
117.7
2010-11
45.4
1.6
4.3
46.4
1.2
22.6
17.2
138.7
2011-12
80.0
6.5
11.4
59.7
3.5
20.7
16.7
198.4
2012-13f
69.4
1.7
5.4
63.7
0.6
59.9
16.2
216.8
2013-14f
44.8
1.7
5.6
65.6
0.6
27.7
16.6
162.6
Value of fisheries production ($ million)
2008-09
2009-10
Fish
25.4
23.5
Crustaceans
10.2
9.3
Aquaculture
20.9
25.5
Molluscs & Echinoderms
0.2
0.0
Total NT Fisheries
56.7
58.3
Crustaceans-NPF
16.0
25.0
Total Fisheries
72.8
83.3
2010-11
24.6
7.8
26.6
0.2
59.2
17.4
76.6
2011-12
25.7
8.2
17.2
0.2
51.3
28.9
80.2
2012-13f
26.5
8.4
17.7
0.0
52.7
19.3
72.0
2013-14f
27.3
8.7
18.3
0.0
54.2
20.2
74.4
Value of cattle, other livestock and mixed farming ($ million)
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
Cattle
275.0
264.4
325.2
325.8
Other Livestock
10.1
9.3
10.7
22.5
Field crops
18.2
16.7
19.0
14.6
Forestry
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Total
303.3
290.4
354.8
362.9
2012-13f
334.2
22.9
13.0
0.0
370.0
2013-14f
347.6
23.6
13.4
0.0
384.6
Total Northern Territory Rural Industries and Fisheries Production Value ($ million)
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13f
Horticulture
99.3
117.7
138.7
198.4
216.8
Fisheries
72.8
83.3
76.6
80.2
72.0
Cattle
275.0
264.4
325.2
325.8
334.2
Other Livestock
10.1
9.3
10.7
22.5
22.9
Field crops
18.2
16.7
19.0
14.6
13.0
Forestry
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Grand Total
475.4
491.4
570.2
641.5
658.8
Source: Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries data collections, f = forecast
Please note all figures here have been rounded respectively and may not tally to totals.
NPF = Northern Prawn Fleet (Commonwealth-managed fishery)
Forecasting Notes
(1) Forecasts for mangoes, bananas and other fruits are based on average annual yields. Recent
production has been higher than average due to good seasons.
(2) Table grape forecast is conservative due to adverse seasonal conditions.
(3) Vegetable production increase in 2012-13 is stimulated by demand. 2013-14 forecasts are based on an
average annual yield
Please use this data from 1 May 2013 to 31 March 2014 only.
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2013-14f
162.6
74.4
347.6
23.6
13.4
0.0
621.7
Economic Outlook 2012
Table 3: Gross Value of Territory Rural Industries and Fisheries Production (Percentage changes)
Mangoes
Table Grapes
Bananas
Melons
Other fruits
Vegetables
Nursery & Cut Flowers
Total
08-09 to 09-10
%
18.0%
8.3%
19.9%
33.1%
-48.0%
31.2%
2.6%
18.5%
09-10to 10-11
%
-1.4%
-55.7%
3.0%
90.3%
30.0%
14.2%
-8.1%
17.9%
10-11 to 11-12
%
76.2%
297.9%
163.1%
28.5%
193.9%
-8.2%
-2.9%
43.0%
Fish
Crustaceans
Aquaculture
Molluscs & Echinoderms
Total NT Fisheries
Crustaceans - NPF
Total Fisheries
08-09 to 09-10
%
-7.5%
-9.3%
21.9%
-100.0%
2.7%
55.8%
14.4%
09-10to 10-11
%
4.6%
-15.3%
4.3%
0.0%
1.7%
-30.3%
-7.9%
10-11 to 11-12
%
4.6%
4.4%
-35.3%
-4.6%
-13.3%
65.9%
4.7%
Cattle
Other Livestock
Field crops
Forestry
08-09 to 09-10
%
-3.9%
-7.8%
-8.3%
0.0%
09-10to 10-11
%
23.0%
14.7%
13.8%
0.0%
10-11 to 11-12
%
0.2%
109.6%
-22.9%
0.0%
Horticulture
Fisheries
Cattle
Other Livestock
Field crops
Forestry
Total
08-09 to 09-10
%
18.5%
14.4%
-3.9%
-7.8%
-8.3%
0.0%
3.4%
09-10to 10-11
%
17.9%
-7.9%
23.0%
14.7%
13.8%
0.0%
16.0%
10-11 to 11-12
%
43.0%
4.7%
0.2%
109.6%
-22.9%
0.0%
12.5%
Source: Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries data collections
NPF = Northern Prawn Fleet (Commonwealth-managed fishery)
Please use this data from 1 May 2013 to 31 March 2014 only.
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Economic Outlook 2012
Acknowledgements
The important contributions made by staff of the Department of Primary Industry and
Fisheries are gratefully acknowledged.
The author would like to thank the following staff:
Biosecurity and Product Integrity: Adele Kluth, Dick Morton
Pastoral Production: Arthur Cameron, Casey Collier, Ben Beumer
Plant Industries: Stuart Smith, Chelsea Moore, Megan Connelly, Mal Bennett
Fisheries Group: Glenn Schipp, Andria Handley, Leonie Cooper
Prepared by: Michael Jean
Contact Details
Michael Jean
Senior Economist
Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries
Department of Mines and Energy
GPO Box 3000, DARWIN NT 0801 Australia
Telephone: +61 8 8999 2242
Email: michael.jean@nt.gov.au
Disclaimer
While all care has been taken to ensure that information contained in this document is true and correct at the time of
publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of its information.
The Northern Territory of Australia gives no warranty or assurance, and makes no representation as to the accuracy of
any information or advice contained in this publication, or that it is suitable for your intended use.
You should not rely upon information in this publication for the purpose of making any serious, business or investment
decisions without obtaining independent and/or professional advice in relation to your particular situation.
The Northern Territory of Australia disclaims any liability or responsibility or duty of care towards any person for loss or
damage caused by any use of or reliance on the information contained in this publication.
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