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12 May 2026
Western Australian
agrifood export eNews
The Western Australian Government’s "WA Export Awards" celebrates local exporters that help drive economic momentum, create jobs and showcase the State’s strengths on the world stage.
Since 1988, the Awards have highlighted the contributions of WA exporters to the State’s economy, recognising their innovation and international success.
WA Winners from each category, along with the Western Australian Exporter of the Year, will be announced at the annual WA Export Awards Gala Dinner. All category winners automatically proceed to become a finalist at the Australian Export Awards, facilitated by Austrade.
Why Apply?
Participating in the WA Export Awards provides businesses with valuable opportunities to:
- Refine business strategy
- Enhance business credibility
- Increase exposure
- Celebrate achievements
- Qualify for national recognition
Businesses based in WA that generate revenue from international markets are invited to apply. Eligible businesses include those that export products, deliver services across borders, or license creative content internationally.
Potential applicants are highly encouraged to visit the Western Australian Export Awards website for more information and read through the 2026 program guidelines available on the Australian Export Awards application information webpage.
Applications for the Western Australian Export Awards 2026 program are open until 9:59pm, Friday 12 June 2026. Apply now.
Source: WA Gov | Image: ITWA
Do you have a great idea for an agrifood business or an innovative idea to solve an issue in the WA agricultural industry?
Apply now for a DPIRD support package to participate in Curtin Ignition 2026.
DPIRD is proud to support innovation in our agrifood and primary industries by funding three support packages in 2026.
Valued at over $3,000, each scholarship is open to WA students, individuals or businesses with an innovative idea that relates to our agrifood, fibre, fisheries, and forestry industries.
Curtin Ignition is an ideal platform for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators to develop and trial business ideas, providing you with an intensive week of workshops, mentoring sessions, and clinics with industry.
Applications from indigenous, new, and aspiring entrepreneurs with limited experience in starting new businesses are strongly encouraged.
Applications close: 4:00pm, Thursday 4 June 2026.
Curtin Ignition runs from Sunday, 16 August to Friday, 21 August 2026.
Source and image: DPIRD
Global logistics remains in a state of 'stabilised disruption' despite the ceasefire 3 weeks ago.
Brent crude closed April at $126.41, its highest in years. The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to commercial traffic.
Air freight
Air cargo rates are beginning to plateau after weeks of sharp increases, with global rates rising 1% week-on-week in mid-April.
The core issue relates to jet fuel availability rather than aircraft counts. Even where flights are operating, uplift is being restricted by fuel supply and bunkering limitations.
Ocean freight
A full-scale return to the Suez Canal would act as a 'release valve' for overcapacity, possibly triggering a sharp rate correction.
CMA CGM is doubling Suez Canal-Red Sea transits to save two weeks on round-trips. Many shippers are now willing to pay a premium for speed despite the risks.
For Australian exporters this will enable faster transit to their European customers.
Australian inland rail solution
To bypass port congestion and trucking shortages, shipping line MSC has introduced new inland rail solutions.
Exporters can now route cargo directly from Minto to Sydney terminals, or from regional hubs in Ettamogah, Griffith and Bomen to Melbourne ports. This allows for a single container collection and delivery location to simplify exports.
Source and image: business.gov.au
Australia and the European Union (EU) have now concluded negotiations for an Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement (A-EU FTA). The A-EU FTA is the most comprehensive, progressive and commercially meaningful trade agreement Australia has ever concluded.
Join Austrade and DFAT to understand new, commercially meaningful market opportunities for Australian exporters enabled through this FTA. This includes key benefits across a number of sectors.
Key topics
- Benefits of the A-EU FTA for Australia exporters
- Key industries and goods benefiting from the FTA, including agriculture, advanced manufacturing, energy and resources
- Practical information on doing business in the EU.
Who it's for
Australian exporters to Europe, or anyone who is interested in learning more about the Australia-EU FTA.
Date &Time
- 27 May 2026, 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm AEST
- Book now
Source and image: Go Global Toolkit
Applications are open for CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: Agrifood and Agtech program, aimed at helping Western Australian start ups and SMEs develop research and development ideas.
The eight week online program, delivered in partnership with DPIRD, is designed to support early stage innovation and build research capability.
Participants will develop an initial concept into a structured R&D plan. The program focuses on testing ideas, assessing commercial and technical feasibility, and connecting businesses with relevant research expertise.
Michelle Armistead, CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow Program Manager, said the program is designed to meet businesses at a critical point in their innovation journey.
DPIRD manager investment services Tamatha Newsome said the program supports Western Australia’s focus on regional development and innovation.
“DPIRD is excited to work with CSIRO once again to support Innovate to Grow WA, a program now in its fourth year, that is providing great opportunities for WA based SMEs to progress from a concept to a viable research project,” Newsome said.
The program is open to Western Australian SMEs working across areas including meat and meat product manufacturing, agriculture and fishing support services, agritech and AI, food and beverage manufacturing, packaging and transport, livestock and aquaculture, value added products, waste optimisation and recycling, and energy reduction and circular economy.
Applications are now open and close on 31 May 2026. The program will commence later in the year. Learn more and apply.
Source and image: CSIRO
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.
Subscribe to Western Australian Agrifood Export eNews.
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), 2026.
