Queensland's agricultural sector is forecast to grow eight per cent on the last financial year.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said for 2021-22, the total value of Queensland's primary industry commodities was forecast to be $20.66 billion.
That figure was eight per cent more than the average for the past five years.
Also read: Beef must hone in on per-capita sales growth
"This remarkable 2021-22 estimate of $20.66B exceeds the high of $20.11B in 2016-17, and is the third year of consecutive growth in Queensland's agriculture, food and fibre gross value of production,"Mr Furner said.
"Record yields, strong prices and favourable conditions have provided for a positive outlook for the sector.
"Exceptional growth is forecast for our summer and winter crops, as well as continued growth in cattle and meat processing helps reinforce that Queensland is the right place to invest.
"The value of our high-quality wheat and barley crops is set to double, cotton and chickpea crops are forecast to increase by 30 per cent, our sorghum crop will see a 15 per cent increase, and an almost 8 per cent increase for cattle and calves."
The largest contributors were:
- meat products (47 per cent)
- horticulture (22 per cent)
- sugar (9 per cent)
- cereal products (8 per cent).
Mr Furner said while there were challenges associated with COVID the agriculture sector was in great shape and playing a key role in creating jobs in regional communities across Queensland.
"Queensland listened to the health advice and as a result our community is safe and our economy is open," he said.
"That means we can keep delivering Queensland's COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan of which agriculture is such an important part."
The latest data can be viewed at daf.qld.gov.au/datafarm
Want daily news highlights delivered to your inbox? Sign up to the Queensland Country Life newsletter below.