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The Western Australian Government Government has put $150,000 on the table to help small 'paddock to plate' livestock producers to continue to supply boutique outlets and farmers markets.
Vouchers of up to $10,000 each will be available to eligible applicants with matching funds to explore local processing options.
The program will assist in investigating business models to ensure consistent access to abattoirs for slaughter requirements.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Western Australian Meat Industry Authority will also continue to provide ongoing expert advice.
Those interested in applying for a voucher will need to attend an information session run by the department, to provide them with information on the process of abattoir set-up and use, and to guide them in completing their application.
The new voucher program builds on the WA Government's investment in Western Australia's local value-added sector and is the latest initiative to support the State's agrifood industries.
Funding applications are now open and details on how to apply are available on the DPIRD website.
Source and image: WA Gov
Meet the Buyer webinars for international markets
Are you a WA food, beverage, or agribusiness looking to enter or grow in international markets?
Join us for four highly informative webinars to gain the tools and insights you need to succeed in the Japan/South Korea, Singapore/Indonesia, Hong Kong and Thailand markets!
Why Attend?
Gain insider knowledge from Export Connect and other market experts, tailored to help WA businesses thrive in these competitive markets.
Key Takeaways:
- Market Insights: Explore economic trends, consumer behaviours, and emerging megatrends
- Market Entry Strategies: Navigate pricing and entry barriers for key export markets
- Pitch Deck Development: Learn how to tailor compelling presentations for buyers
- Category-Specific Trends: Access real data and in-store videos to refine your strategy
- Buyer Engagement: Build meaningful, lasting relationships with international buyers
- Q&A Session: Get your questions answered by the experts!
Register Now!
- Japan/South Korea: Thursday 20th February
- Singapore/Indonesia: Thursday 20th March
- Hong Kong: Thursday 24th April
- Thailand/CP Foods: Thursday 15th May
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert insights and position your business for global success!
Source and image: DPIRD
CSIRO innovate to Grow (I2G) WA is back in 2025
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is excited to support CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow (I2G) WA again in 2025.
I2G WA is a free 8-week online program commencing in mid-May 2025. I2G WA aims to help small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food and beverage manufacturing, agrifood-tech and agribusiness sectors build skills and networks to turn ideas into viable R&D projects.
As a program participant you’ll utilise experienced facilitators to help you refine your innovation challenge. You’ll also build your R&D business case and learn how to prepare a strong funding case.
To learn more about I2G WA and be notified when applications become available click the link here for further information.
Source and image: DPIRD
The Chinese New Year marks exciting new opportunities for Australian food and agriculture exporters to China, with $20 billion worth of trade impediments now removed.
China’s consumers can celebrate the Year of the Snake by dining on a smorgasbord of Aussie cuisine, including delicious lobsters, the world’s best wines, and high-quality beef steaks.
Following the removal of the final trade impediments in December 2024, dining tables in China will now feature Australian live rock lobsters, a welcome outcome for Chinese consumers and Australian businesses alike.
Over 900 tonnes of live rock lobsters has already been exported to China since the removal of impediments. This has supported the jobs of 3,000 Australians employed in the industry, 2,000 of which are in Western Australia.
Australian fresh cherries are also highly prized as a gift to celebrate the Lunar New Year, and demand is expected to grow this financial year, after strong growth last year. Australia exported $14 million or 582 tonnes of cherries in 2023-24, an increase of 129 per cent in value and 137 per cent in volume.
Exports to China of Australian agricultural products previously affected by trade impediments have rebounded in 2024 year-on-year (January to October):
- barley increased 221 per cent in value;
- wine increased over 5,000 per cent in value; and
- timber logs (specifically, wood in the rough) increased over 8,000 per cent in value.
China remains Australia’s largest market for agricultural exports, worth $17.1 billion and accounting for around a quarter of total agricultural exports in 2023-24.
Source: DFAT | Image: ShutterStock
Australia’s agricultural sector is well placed for the year ahead – despite expected rising global geopolitical tensions, an underperforming Asian economy resulting in low consumer confidence and a volatile energy market – Rabobank says in its newly-released annual outlook.
In its flagship Australia Agribusiness Outlook 2025, the agribusiness banking specialist says, “major agricultural sectors look set to once again move confidently into the coming year”, albeit with some challenges ahead.
The report says prices of livestock commodities are expected to “fare well” in 2025 and grain prices also hold upside potential. And this is reflected in a forecast rise in the RaboResearch Australia Commodity Price Index for 2025.
Though prices of most agricultural commodities are not expected to reach the highs or lows seen over the past three years, the Outlook said.
The report, by the bank’s RaboResearch arm, noted though that soil moisture in many regions is lower than 12 months ago.
“Most cropping and dairy areas along the south coast of Australia are too dry, although many of the country’s sheep and cattle areas received rains over the past two months, supporting feed availability,” the report said.
Report lead author, RaboResearch general manager Australia and New Zealand Stefan Vogel said the weather forecast for the next three months “painted a similar picture, that hopefully can still be offset if rains arrive during the growing season”.
Source and image: RaboBank
Due to caretaker conventions, our weekly newsletter will be deferred until post WA State Government elections. Our team is still contactable by exportmarketsuccess@dpird.wa.gov.au if you require assistance.
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.
