Mid-term review highlights agricultural advancements, Redman
Author: Terry Redman
Published on: 13-April-2011
Significant achievements have been made to advance Western Australia’s agricultural sector since the State Government released its ‘Priority Plan for Agriculture and Food’two years ago.
Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman detailed those gains and his vision for a progressive and profitable sector at an industry seminar this morning.
Mr Redman said he stood behind his decisions and was proud of the Government’s achievements but there was still work to do.
“The livestock industry benefits from the $54million Muchea Livestock Centre and $21.5million improvements to regional saleyards, grain growers now have greater choice with the introduction of GM technology, and we are moving ahead in the north on expanding the Ord and Gascoyne irrigation areas,” he said.
“Our commitment to the Drought Pilot and other initiatives are helping to build farm resilience and profitability, there have been improvements to natural resource management, and great market gains such as re-opening the Saudi Arabian wheat market after 20 years.
“Although we have achieved a lot in a relatively short time, there is more that Government and industry can do in partnership to support and drive our $7billion agriculture and food sector.”
The Minister said the State Government, through its revitalised Department of Agriculture and Food, would help industry respond to a rapidly-changing operating environment.
“With emerging Asian economies on our doorstep, and with 60 per cent of the world’s population within our time zone, we are well placed to supply quality products at premium prices,” he said.
“But with these opportunities come the challenges of intense competition from other production regions, increased input and product market volatility, climate variability and biosecurity risks.”
Mr Redman said the Liberal-National Government would continue to work alongside industry, helping it identify and seize opportunities to allow businesses throughout the whole supply chain to evolve and prosper.
“The Liberal-National Government’s achievements and vision in agriculture are in stark contrast to several years of neglect suffered by the industry at the hands of Labor,” he said.
“What is even more shameful is Labor is still intentionally ignorant - I am not aware of a single agricultural policy finalised, formulated or even flagged by the Opposition.”
