
Between 2002-03 and 2014-15 turnover in the agricultural sector increased by over $100 million from $129 million to $231 million (Figure 1). This growth created over 200 new jobs, and supported a total of nearly 600 full-time-equivalent (FTE) roles by 2014-15 (BLADE). During this growth period the number of operating businesses declined (BLADE), suggesting some consolidation to achieve economies of scale but more likely the growth of a small number of businesses while a larger number left the industry or ceased to operate.