The State Government has announced two grant schemes to drive agricultural innovation and export growth in WA.
Under the $350 million Seizing the Opportunity in Agriculture initiative funded by Royalties for Regions these new grants are available to eligible WA-based grower groups to stimulate research, innovation and collaboration along the supply chain.
Kalgoorlie MLA, Wendy Duncan, said that grants between $20,000 and $500,000 are available with a total of $10.5 million on offer under this second round of the Grower Group R&D Program, managed by the Department of Agriculture.
“In addition to this, $1.3 million is also available to assist industry groups or organisations become more competitive in the global marketplace, under the Industry Grant for International Competitiveness” Ms Duncan said.
Under this program, grants of between $20,000 and $100,000 are available to agribusinesses looking to maximise international business growth.
“Both programs underpin the high quality produce that Western Australia provides to a global market, offering encouragement and support for agribusiness to capitalise on opportunities for growth.”
Applicants interested in the Grower Group R&D Program need to submit an expression of interest online using the SmartyGrants program. Applications are currently open and close at 12noon (WST) on Friday 10 February 2017.
Applicants interested in the Industry Grant for International Competitiveness will need to follow the same steps as previously mentioned, with the closing date for expression of interest being before 12pm (WST) on Tuesday the 24 January to be considered for funding.
Ms Duncan encouraged agribusinesses and grower groups to apply for grants under the two schemes to help capitalise on opportunities for growth.
Nationals Candidate for Kalgoorlie, Tony Crook, who spent over 30 years in the pastoral industry in the goldfields has strongly encouraged local pastoralists to take advantage of this funding opportunity.
“Goldfields Pastoralists have been exploring innovation in recent field days and this is a great opportunity to get some assistance to put these new ideas into practice,” Mr Crook said.
“WA boasts some of the highest quality produce in the world, and it’s important our producers are best placed to take advantage of this unprecedented global opportunity, with Royalties for Regions providing the financial support to make it happen.”
For media enquiries contact Wendy Duncan MLA 0438 782 03
