Agricultural research has been given a boost thanks to Royalties for Regions investment in 20 projects across the State.
Member for Central Wheatbelt Mia Davies MLA said the first round of the Grower Group Research and Development Grants would deliver a total of $6.7 million to not-for-profit farmer driven organisations to deliver a broad range of projects.
The Grower Group Research and Development Grant program provides grower groups with grants of between $20,000 and $500,000 to help address constraints to productivity growth and competitiveness.
“These grants are across a range of areas and form part of the State Government’s broader commitment to grow the agrifood sector and capitalise on increasing demand for safe, high quality food,” Ms Davies said.
In the electorate of Central Wheatbelt the Far Eastern Agricultural Research Group (FEAR) and the Merredin and District Farm Improvement Group (MADFIG) will receive $418,100 toward a project to develop investment opportunities in the sheep meat supply chain through a facilitated process of transformational change for eastern wheatbelt farm businesses.
“This project is a unique opportunity for these grower groups to work with members of the sheep meat supply chain, DAFWA and independent consultants to fully investigate transformational change in the low rainfall eastern wheatbelt,” Ms Davies said.
“Increased seasonal variability and a climate that will continue to get warmer and drier and more variable, creates a challenging environment for farm businesses to prosper, especially in low rainfall regions.
“I congratulate these growers on being successful applicants and look forward to seeing the project being implemented.”
The project will conduct independent analysis of farm business data to inform the development of a farm business investment tool. This tool will investigate supply chain opportunities and support growers to make decisions to build resilient businesses that can adapt to change.
At the same time, the project will facilitate relationships between all members of the sheep meat supply chain by working together for mutual benefit to create new opportunities in the sheep meat industry.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the initiative was focused on increasing economic growth in regional communities.
“WA is being increasingly recognised internationally as a potential investment destination for agribusiness due to its availability of land, water and climatic conditions suitable for a wide range of agricultural produces,” Mr Redman said.
“The grants are part of the $22.1 million Agricultural Sciences Research and Development Fund, made possible by Royalties for Regions $350 million Siezing the Opportunity in Agriculture initiative and will help generate long-term improvements to agribusiness in WA.”
Additional projects remain under consideration in the first round of grants, and a second funding round through the Fund will open later this year.
For more information, visit https://www.agric.wa.gov.au
