Agriculture Kangaroo Island remains unique in South Australia (and possibly Australia) in the role it plays – part advocate, part research, part policy, part education and wholly in support of agriculture and the role it plays on Kangaroo Island.

Vision

Kangaroo Island Agriculture Inc. has a vision for a sustainable and profitable agriculture sector on Kangaroo Island.

We aim to accomplish this vision through supporting our member's success via advocacy and promoting best practice through education, research and demonstration.

Objectives & purpose

Represent the interests of the members and the association.

Facilitate the development and recognition of dynamic and diverse primary industries on Kangaroo Island.

Encourage economic, environmental and social sustainability of the industry

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest island after Tasmania and Melville Island and lies approximately 13.5km off the coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula. With a coastline of 540km, the island covers an area of 4,405 km2, approximately one third of which is Conservation or National Park. The island is known for its abundance of wildlife, world class local food and wine and pristine environment.

‍Kangaroo Island was the first European settlement of South Australia in the early 1800s when sealers made the unexpected discovery which later turned in to the headquarters of the South Australia Company around Nepean Bay and Kingscote during the 1830s.

Primary production snapshot

23% of all workers on Kangaroo Island are involved in primary production, making it the largest single employer.

$157 million is generated through Primary production each year on KI, 27% of the Island’s total revenue.

23% Farmers set aside over 17% of their land for conservation, an area equivalent to 85% of Flinders Chase National Park.

Largest single employer on Kangaroo Island. Accounting for 23% of all workers and 45% of all businesses.

600,000 sheep

19,600 cattle

13,000ha cropping

73,300 poultry (10.5 million eggs)

140ha vineyards

345ha potatoes

Kangaroo Island had one of the highest rates of adoption of Landcare in the nation during the Landcare decade (1990-2000)

Sheep numbers peaked in 1989/1990 at 1.25 million.

The first crops grown in South Australia were grown on Kangaroo Island at Cygnet River in the 1820’s, prior to formal settlement.