Horticulture exports from the Australian island state of Tasmania have been given new prominence with the formation of a government division to expand exports and invest in marketing opportunities, reported the Weekly Times Now.

The new division, formed by Tasmania’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism, will “help build horticulture, which has significantly contributed to increased farm revenue of A$100-150m a year over the past three years,” said Primary Industries and Water Minister David Llewellyn.

Agriculture was more important to Tasmania than any other Australian state, he said, and contributed 4.6 per cent of the gross state product.

Tasmania is already an export leader in the country, particularly in apples and cherries, and it is the only Australian state to still have access to Taiwan.