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16 July 2024
Western Australian
agrifood export eNews
The Western Australian Government is continuing to support the State's food and beverage manufacturing sector to thrive with half a million dollars in funding.
Agrifood and Beverage Vouchers of up to $20,000 over two vouchers are now available to help small to medium-sized businesses across the State take their operations to the next level.
Business owners can use their vouchers across five categories, including business planning, manufacturing for business growth, sales and marketing, financial health, and environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
The Agrifood and Beverage Voucher Program continues to help a vast range of businesses, build international competitiveness, improve efficiencies, enhance green credentials and create jobs.
Since its inception in 2018, 355 vouchers valued at $1.9 million have given WA businesses access to professional expertise to identify opportunities, overcome challenges and realise potential.
The program has leveraged more than $2.7 million in industry investment via co-contributions.
For more information and to apply for an Agrifood and Beverage Voucher visit www.agric.wa.gov.au/AFBvoucherprogram. Applications close 5pm, Tuesday 27 August 2024.
Source: WA Minister for Agriculture and Food | Photo: DPIRD [Minister Jackie Jarvis visiting Fresh Frontiers in Bassendean.]
A practical program has been developed specifically for new WA wine exporters looking to set up for success. The program includes a comprehensive in-person workshop followed by one-on-one coaching (up to four one-hour sessions) to address the individual needs of specific businesses and their brands.
Participants will walk away with a clear idea of the necessary steps to take for export success as well as a toolkit of export essentials.
WA wine producers looking to get ‘export-ready’, or those early in their export journey should look to participate in the entire program (workshop and coaching sessions).
For more information about the workshop or to register, see the links below:
- PERTH workshop: Monday 22 July (10.00am - 3.00pm)
- MARGARET RIVER workshop: Tuesday 23 July (10.00am - 3.00pm)
Includes four follow-up coaching sessions: August/September - dates/times chosen to suit participants.
WA Wines to the World is an industry-led export program, with funding support from DPIRD, that aims to significantly bolster WA wine markets on an international scale.
Source and image: WA Wines to the World
Calling all beer, wine, spirits, and cider producers in Western Australia. This is your chance to attend an exclusive workshop designed to equip you with the knowledge and connections to thrive in the Australian retail liquor market. Led by industry expert Mr Chris Baddock, the 2-hour session will cover key challenges and offer practical solutions.
The workshop will be held at two locations:
- Margaret River on 31 July 2024.
- Hillarys on 1 August 2024.
Sessions will be followed by a networking lunch, providing a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow industry professionals. Spaces are limited to two attendees per business, with a registration fee of $30 per person.
Secure your spot today for Margaret River or Hillarys! Registrations close on Wednesday 24 July or when the event reaches capacity.
Source and Image: DPIRD
WAARC research aims to advance wheat nitrogen use efficiency
The WA Agricultural Research Collaboration’s (WAARC’s) fourth grains project is underway, aimed at boosting wheat production in Australia by improving nitrogen use efficiency through innovative genetic research.
The five-year Wheat Nitrogen Use Efficiency project will run through to March 2029 and addresses a key research priority of both the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and WAARC.
Murdoch University is leading the research in collaboration with The University of Western Australia (UWA), DPIRD, Curtin University and plant-breeding company Australian Grain Technologies (AGT).
The initiative has investment from GRDC, AGT and WAARC, including its six members (DPIRD, CSIRO, Grower Group Alliance, Curtin University, Murdoch University and UWA).
Wheat Nitrogen Use Efficiency Project Lead and Murdoch University Centre for Crop and Food Innovation Director Rajeev Varshney, said the project’s goal was to empower growers to access high-performing cultivars that maximised yield and grain quality, while minimising environmental impact.
“Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency is pivotal for maximising wheat yield, grain protein content and, ultimately, the profitability of wheat growers,” Professor Varshney said.
“While nitrogenous fertilisers play a crucial role in agriculture, wheat crops currently use less than 40% of applied nitrogen, with only 33% being recovered in the grain.
“By collaborating with leading institutions and industry partners we are not only expanding our understanding of genetic regulation in wheat but also providing practical solutions and tools for breeders to develop improved wheat varieties.”
Source and Photo: DPIRD [WAARC Wheat Nitrogen Use Efficiency Project Lead and Director of Murdoch University’s Centre for Crop and Food Innovation Professor Rajeev Varshney (L-R), Australian Grain Technologies (AGT) Wheat Breeder Dr Dion Bennett, and DPIRD Portfolio Manager Genetic Improvement Dr Darshan Sharma, are inspecting the AGT field in Northam where the research trials are underway.]
Autonomous machines are a potential game changer in crop farming, boosting productivity, precision and ease of operations, but the path to market is expected to be a relatively slow one, Rabobank says in a new global report.
In its recently published global Agtech in Focus report, the specialist agribusiness bank says although “some ‘robots’ have the same functionality as tractors, we do not expect the conventional tractor to be replaced anytime soon”.
“The global machinery industry is currently focusing on innovating specific stages of the crop production cycle and gradually developing autonomous capabilities across field operations,” according to the report, by the bank’s RaboResearch arm.
Automation in farming is improving both productivity and sustainability in farming, RaboResearch says, “allowing for faster, more precise operations with reduced resource consumption, including water, fertilisers, crop protection, and energy”.
“This shift not only bolsters operational efficiency but also enhances the sustainability of farming practices. Autonomous machines, capable of operating without human operators or on-site supervisors, are set to alleviate the burden of labour shortages and improve working conditions on farms.”
The report says these machines need to be able to operate independently, even in changing conditions. Farmers are known for being early tech adopters, and Australia's large farms are prime testing grounds for these new developments. From sensor-equipped machinery to AI-powered weed control, Australian farms are at the forefront of agricultural technology.
Source: Rabobank | Photo: DPIRD
Uncoordinated global trade policies intended to shield citizens from food price volatility actually worsen global price swings, according to a new agricultural report.
The latest Agricultural Market Information System Market Monitor says insulation policies like export restrictions or import tariff changes are meant to stabilise domestic prices. However, they worsen global food price volatility when many countries use them simultaneously.
The report says studies show that price insulation policies roughly double the volatility of global wheat and rice prices. This is because countries often react similarly to price changes, amplifying the effects. Governments are more likely to intervene when prices reach a certain level, creating a predictable pattern for policy changes.
International cooperation is needed to address this collective action problem, including strengthening World Trade Organisation rules on export controls and import tariffs. These actions can help stabilise global food prices and improve food security for all.
Source: AMIS | Photo: Dominic Chavez / World Bank
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.
