The Australian Government's Entrepreneurs’ Programme and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development invite small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the ‘WA Cold Chain Optimisation for SMEs (Pilot) Project Bootcamp’.

This Bootcamp is a government-funded business growth and capability building initiative with the aim of improving cold chain practices for perishable goods within your business.  It will address challenges faced in WA to improve cold chain practices and how your workforce can be upskilled in this field. Other topics will include:

• How improving cold chains can help profitability of your business.
• Reducing food loss and wastage.
• Reducing insurance claims.
• Improving food quality, extend shelf life.
• Enhancing product and brand reputation.
• Setting benchmarks.

Register now for this event which takes place on 13 October 2021 from 10 am until 3 pm at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Perth, and also online. More...  Source:  AusIndustry / DPIRD

Applications are now open for Round 3 of the Western Australian Government's Agrifood and Beverage Voucher Program to support food and beverage manufacturing and processing businesses throughout the State.

Up to $15,000 per business is available to access expert advice to build resilience and sustainability, competitiveness, scale and export preparedness into business operations.

There are five categories of expertise for this round: business planning, manufacturing for business growth, sales and marketing, financial health and a new category for environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

For more information and to apply visit www.agric.wa.gov.au/AFBvoucherprogram. Applications close 5pm on 15 November 2021.   Source:  DPIRD  |  Image:  Shutterstock

Are you an Australian table grapes exporter interested in supplying to ASEAN markets?  If so, please join this pre-season sector and market briefing to hear from Austrade Trade and Investment Commissioners and Business Development Managers about key markets including Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia.

Taking place on 18 October 2021 at 10am AWST, presentation topics in this webinar will include: overview of current market conditions and opportunities;  COVID-19 impacts; and tips for doing business.

This free event is part of a series of international sector and market updates for agribusiness and food exporters to be held in 2021 under the Agribusiness Expansion Initiative.  

Register now for the Table Grapes to ASEAN webinar.  Source and Graphic:  Austrade

CBH Grain was named the 2021 Western Australian Exporter of the Year at the Western Australian Export Awards this week.  A subsidiary of the CBH Group – Australia's largest co-operative – CBH Grain was also winner of the agribusiness, food and beverages category.

The company was recognised for the strength and leadership it has shown during a year of challenges by pivoting and expanding its markets. Its sales represented a significant victory in the diversification of WA grain growers' export markets and the ability to find new global opportunities.

Derby Industries, owner of Linley Valley Pork, was also a winner in the regional export category.

The winners in each category will represent the State at Austrade's Australian Export Awards on 25 November 2021.

The WA Export Awards are co-ordinated by Invest and Trade WA on behalf of the State Government.  More...  Source:  WA Government / Invest and Trade WA  |  Photo:  DPIRD

The Western Australian Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) Board is calling for early nominations for its Board of Management.  WAFIC was created by the State's fishing industry more than 50 years ago to work in partnership with government and set directions for the management of WA’s commercial fisheries, which generate around $400 million of exports annually.

There will be three positions for Directors and one for Chairman to be elected at the 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held in late November. There will be an opportunity for nominations to be called from the floor at the AGM, so it is not a requirement for interested parties to participate in this call for nominations. 

Early nominations must be lodged by Friday 29 October 2021 and the list of candidates, and their supporting materials will be circulated to members shortly thereafter.  More...  Source and Photo:  WAFIC

The resurgence of global economic activity in the first half of 2021 lifted merchandise trade above its pre-pandemic peak, leading World Trade Organisation (WTO) economists to upgrade their forecasts for trade in 2021 and 2022.

The WTO is now predicting global merchandise trade volume growth of 10.8% in 2021 – up from 8.0% forecasted in March – followed by a 4.7% rise in 2022. Growth should moderate as merchandise trade approaches its pre-pandemic long-run trend.

"Trade has been a critical tool in combatting the pandemic, and this strong growth underscores how important trade will be in underpinning the global economic recovery," WTO Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said.  More...  Source:  WTO  |  Related:  Trade to the rescue: unleashing global trade to support economic growth  Source:  World Bank  |  Photo:  WTO