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Join a webinar for an Introduction to Shoestring Digital Solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), exploring various solution areas and selecting the right starter solutions for your business.
You'll hear about case studies that showcase the successful implementation of these technologies in WA businesses.
A highlight of the session will be the Digital Needs Activity, where you'll complete a survey to identify your priority solution areas, helping you understand where digitalisation can have the most significant impact on your operations.
These insightful sessions are designed to introduce businesses to the transformative potential of digital solutions in the food and beverage manufacturing industry.
Businesses interested in joining the program should sign up for a free webinar:
Source and Image: DPIRD
Are you a female founder or co-founder wanting to grow your business?
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is proud to support a new round of the We Are Emersyn’s Female Founders Program – fostering the growth of female-led food and beverage businesses.
The Female Founders Program is a 12-month program that equips you with the expert advisory, resources and proven strategies to break through barriers and achieve sustainable growth.
Tailored to founders’ unique circumstances, the program’s flexible framework focuses on accelerating business growth and enhancing capabilities through tailored programming, expert-led sessions, one-on-one mentoring, skills development, access to industry advisors and a supportive peer network.
DPIRD is co-funding 50% of the program fee of up to 8 emerging and established female founders and co-founders seeking growth in the agribusiness, food production, food value adding and food processing sectors. Food retailers and hospitality businesses are not eligible.
For more information, see the program and eligibility criteria. Applications close 23 August 2024.
Source and Image: We Are Emersyn
The Western Australian Government is investing $29.2 million in research to help farmers across the State reach a new frontier in grain production by building climate resilience and profitability.
Together with $26.7 million from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, the five-year Soil Water and Nutrition (SWAN) collaboration will unlock crop potential to use rainfall and soil nutrients more efficiently to boost grain yields and quality.
The initiative builds on research pioneered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) that shows periodically loosening the soil and mixing in lime or gypsum improves crop water use efficiency resulting in up to a four-fold increase in grain yields.
DPIRD scientists will investigate how deeper soil improvement known as soil profile re-engineering coupled with tailored crop nutrition, crop rotation and agronomic management can achieve further gains.
Source: WA Minister for Agriculture and Food | Photo: DPIRD
WA celebrates sparkling success at Pemberton symposium
Western Australia's sparkling wine industry took centre stage at the recent Sparkling Symposium, held in Pemberton. Hosted by Wines of Western Australia (WoWA) in partnership with the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Wine Australia, the event brought together industry experts and enthusiasts to explore the intricacies of premium sparkling wine production.
The comprehensive program, developed by a committee chaired by DPIRD scientist Richard Fennessy, featured presentations from local and national experts. Attendees gained valuable insights from renowned figures like Trina Smith (Pernod Ricard), Kate Laurie (Deviation Road), and Nick Dry (Foundation Viticulture). Discussions explored global trends, grape variety selection, vineyard management, and innovative production techniques.
A highlight was the tasting session, showcasing diverse sparkling styles from various Australian regions. Participants enjoyed iconic Champagne styles alongside vibrant, fruit-forward expressions like Chenin and Prosecco. Case studies by industry pioneers Yuri Berns, Mick Langridge, and Kate Laurie provided practical knowledge on regional production practices, sourcing, and small-scale methodologies.
“The Sparkling Symposium was a resounding success,” said Larry Jorgensen, Chief Executive Officer of WoWA. “The esteemed group of experts shared invaluable knowledge, showcasing the exceptional quality and innovative spirit of Western Australian sparkling wines.”
Source and Photo: WoWA
The Australian Government has launched Round Two of the On Farm Connectivity Program, providing rebates for ag-tech and connectivity solutions, helping farmers leverage digital tools to boost productivity.
Building on the success of Round One, funding has been increased from $15 million to $18 million, with expanded eligibility criteria to ensure more primary producers can benefit.
The threshold for equipment, previously $3,000, is now $1,000, meaning more equipment can be obtained under this program. More farmers are now eligible for funding as the average pre-tax income income threshold has increased from $2 million to $4 million.
Rebates of up to 50% are available for equipment like soil moisture probes, livestock monitors, and weather stations, extending data coverage and improving farm operations.
The program is part of the Government's broader $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan, ensuring rural communities have the tools they need to thrive.
With the lowering of the eligibility threshold for both income and equipment costs, Round Two opens the door to a wider range of farmers and a broader spectrum of technologies.
For more information, see the program and eligibility criteria.
Source: Australian Government | Photo: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
The world of trade is undergoing a dramatic transformation, driven by a complex interplay of factors, according to the International Monetary Fund. Three key shifts are reshaping the global economy: structural changes, policy shifts, and geopolitical shifts.
Structural shifts, such as climate change and technological advancements, are altering countries' comparative advantages – the products they specialise in and export. This, in turn, impacts their growth prospects. Meanwhile, the return of industrial policy, marked by a surge in government interventions to support specific sectors, is reshaping the competitive landscape. Additionally, geopolitical tensions are creating a more fragmented global economy.
One of the most significant structural changes is the shift from goods to services. With the rise of digital technologies, services like consulting, software development, and even podcasting can be delivered across borders more easily. This presents opportunities for countries to specialise in service exports, but it also means competition for jobs in other sectors.
Artificial intelligence is another game-changer. While it could lead to job displacement, it also has the potential to boost productivity, create new markets, and enhance global supply chains. However, the impact of AI on trade is complex and will vary across countries and industries.
The IMF says to navigate these complexities, countries need to adapt their policies. This includes investing in education and infrastructure to develop a skilled workforce and facilitate digital trade, as well as implementing effective industrial policies that support long-term competitiveness.
Source and Image: IMF
Further information
Agribusiness, commercial fishing and aquaculture news from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). If you have any questions or information to share, please email export@dpird.wa.gov.au.
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Important disclaimer
The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it.
Copyright © State of Western Australia (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), 2024.
