Food SA, the industry body that represents more than 250 food businesses, has been pledged $1 million in funding by State Liberal leader Steven Marshall.

The funding commitment is aimed at developing export markets and follows yesterday’s release of the party’s policy paper to “reinvigorate the South Australian export market and grow the State’s economy”.

“South Australia has some of the best produce in Australia and is home to many innovative and successful primary producers and food businesses,” Marshall said at a media launch of the funding commitment today.

“Mr Weatherill and Labor have neglected food producers in SA, providing only minimal support to Food SA – a key industry-led organisation working to grow economic opportunities for the industry.

“On the other hand, the State Liberals’ funding commitment to Food SA will allow this great industry organisation to continue to drive South Australian food exports.”

The Marshall proposal is to progressively increase funding to Food SA to $1 million by 2016-17.

Food SA is managed by a board of 11 food industry professionals, has three full time local staff and and has staffed offices in China and Japan who provide in market representation for international members.

The State Government part-funded an industry guide in conjunction with Food SA in July last year.

The South Australian Food Users’ Guide was provided to restaurants, cafés, pubs and other food establishments, tourism outlets and education providers in South Australia and interstate to push local produce.