Rapid growth in the horticulture sector is being driven by wine grapes as land previously given over to sheep farming is being planted with vines. Another key growth area is in avocado production with orchards doubling to 3,100ha in 2002 from 1994 – the last time a census of agriculture was carried out.

Crops such as cherries, easy-peelers, lemons, carrots, capsicum, Asian vegetables, chillies, courgettes, flowers and nuts are also on the rise.

Full results from last year's survey are due to be published in May.

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