Irrigated agriculture is one of the major uses of the state's water - accounting for 35 per cent of all licensed water use.
Unlike grain crops which rely on seasonal rainfall for water, this sector needs water on demand to be profitable.
The production of fruit and vegetables is the largest component of the irrigated agricultural sector, with dairy and beef pasture and nurseries and turf farms the other major irrigation groups.
The continued health and viability of this sector is important because not only does it grow much of the meat, fruit and vegetables we eat, it is also part of a high value multi-billion dollar export industry that employs tens of thousands of people and is the lifeblood of towns and communities throughout the state.
Irrigators generally use groundwater and surface water under licence, though there are some groups in unproclaimed areas that operate without licences.
Many irrigators get their water from licensed irrigation cooperatives in the state's four irrigation districts.
The department assists the industry in many ways and has spent considerable effort promoting efficiency gains, water quality improvements and new sources.