Riverina to benefit from 70 million dollar private sector investment

The announcement by the NSW Minister for Primary Industries the Hon Katrina Hodgkinson today on the creation of up to 100 new jobs through a significant farming development is a boost for the Riverina economy and highlights the importance of the agri-food sector.

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) today congratulated Agri Australis Pty Ltd, which is an Australian subsidiary of the Ferrero Group on their $70 million hazelnut investment near Narrandera in New South Wales.

AFGC CEO Gary Dawson said the investment was a great example of a food manufacturer and the government working closely to develop an important new agribusiness in regional Australia.

“At its peak, this farm is expected to help produce more than 10 000 tonnes of hazelnuts.

“This project has been made possible through the support of the NSW and Federal Governments, and of course a major private investor in Ferrero, and took four years to come to fruition.

“Ferrero also plan to set up the Narrandera farm as an educational facility for other potential producers.

“This investment may lead the way in developing a new, largely unexplored industry for the region and could provide a valuable alternate income stream to the tune of 200 million dollars,” concluded Mr Dawson.

 

 -ENDS-

More information: James Mathews – 0407 416 002.