Gippsland is well suited to agrifood and on the whole the region is fortunate to have the perfect combination of a stable climate, strong rainfall patterns, arable soils and close proximity to processing, transport and markets, making it a premium investment destination. In addition, infrastructure like the Macalister Irrigation District in central Gippsland covers 53,000 hectares and distributes water to irrigators through a gravity fed system of channels and pipes With a $7 billion net worth, the region is renowned for its high-end agricultural products, grown on some of Australia’s best-quality agricultural land. These natural advantages, together with a skilled local workforce, make it a favoured investment region for successful enterprises pre and post-farmgate, and within the processing and allied industries. Over many years, the respected reputation of Gippsland’s food and fibre production has been grounded in good stewardship of resources.

Gippsland boasts over 9,000 food and fibre businesses and employs 16% of the workforce in the region, with about three quarters of the workers engaged on the farm and roughly 25% in value-added production. Gippsland is a dairy power house producing 22% of Australia’s dairy including milk, milk powder, butter, cheese, yogurt and other value-added products. The region also produces 25% of the beef in Victoria (much of it for export), wool and prime lamb as well as 27% of Victoria’s vegetables. Further, Gippsland houses the largest pulp and paper mill in Australia and produces 23% of Victoria’s timber. A strong trend towards the organic, viticulture and aquaculture sector has been growing with new businesses emerging.