Businesses offering forest walks, cave tours, rafting, and fly fishing are flourishing. Agriculture, Mining, Forestry, Manufacturing and Tourism have traditionally been the major industries. The production of fine foods, wines and beverages is fast becoming a major new industry, as is the art, craft and cottage industry sector. About 40 per cent of the State is covered by forest and most of the timber cut is native hardwood, but plantations of exotic softwoods are being established. Agriculture is an important part of Tasmania's economy, and agricultural establishments occupy about 29 per cent of Tasmania's total land area.
Apples are a significant crop.
Tasmania produces about 25 per cent of the Australian potato crop, and hops, peas and French beans are among other crops. In recent years, new livestock types and crops have been introduced. These include goats, mainly for cashmere and mohair fibre production, and deer for the venison market. Leading alternative crops in commercial production include oil poppies for the pharmaceutical industry and lavender. Other essential oil crops under development include peppermint, fennel, boronia and pyrethrum.