No images? Click here
14 October 2025
Western Australian agrifood export eNews
The Australian Government is opening further grant programs as part of the almost $140 million Sheep Industry Transition Assistance Package to assist Western Australian farmers impacted by the phase out of live sheep exports by sea.
The $30 million Farm Business Transition Program will provide grants of up to $75,000 per applicant to help eligible sheep producers prepare for the phase out, with funding to support new business plans or the adoption of alternative farming practices.
The program will be delivered over two rounds, with $20 million available in round one and $10 million to be made available in 2026.
The $1.5 million Livestock Transport Industry Transition Program will help transport businesses adjust their business models before the trade ends, with grants of up to $40,000 per applicant.
This program administered by Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, aims to assists livestock transport operators to transition to other transport-related activities, which may require further investment in preparation for the end of the trade.
Grants for both programs has now opened for applications and will close on Monday 1 December 2025. Successful applicants will have to match the dollar value of the grant funding approved. For more information visit the grants program website.
Source: minister.agriculture.gov.au | image: iStock (gollykim)
The Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is now in force. It eliminates tariffs on over 99% of Australia’s exports to the UAE.
Join us for a market briefing to find out how your business can take advantage of the new benefits under the Australia-UAE CEPA. You can take part in a live Q&A, get key insights and learn about opportunities for Australian exporters.
Key topics
- Practical information on doing business in the UAE
- Benefits of the Australia-UAE CEPA for Australian exporters
- Sector insights
Who it's for
Australian exporters looking to grow and diversify into the UAE and wider Middle East.
Date and Time
- Wednesday 22 October 2025, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm AEDT
Access the Austrade website to book now.
Source and image: business.gov.au
The Wine Education Centre (WEC) is the prime provider of wine education for consumers and trade in Western Australia. It has been providing quality wine education for well over 40 years.
WEC invites you to attend the upcoming wine essentials course to increase your wine knowledge and develop your palate.
- Venue: By Old Bridge Cellars North Fremantle
- Date/Time: four weeks (two hours per week) commencing Tuesday 21st October, 2025, 6.30pm – 8.30pm
- Register now
The course includes an ‘Essential Wine Tasting Guide’, vineyard visit in the Swan Valley or Perth Hills (Saturday) and food and wine experience at Samsons Paddock. All attendees that complete the course will receive a Certificate of Merit.
The wine essentials course provides the necessary information for all wine enthusiasts who are looking to increase their wine knowledge and approach to tasting. It is also an appropriate course for those about to enter the wine trade.
- Week One – Learn how to taste and assess a range of wine styles.
- Week Two – White wine production, styles and botrytis cinerea (noble rot).
- Week Three – Red wine production, styles, oak and cellaring potential of wine.
- Week Four – Food and wine matching to be held at Samsons Paddock restaurant, Mosman Park.
There will be six premium wines tasted each week - predominantly Australian.
Email your enquiries to wec@winewa.asn.au, or call 9335 2702/ 0417 987 461 for more course details.
Source and image: Wines of WA
The Australian Government is delivering new opportunities for Australia’s blueberry producers with a new agreement securing market access to export the fruit to Vietnam, with trade expected to be worth approximately $22 million over 5 years.
The agreement, which came into effect last week, is another major win for Australian producers and will also create access to Vietnamese pomelos for Australian consumers.
Work on securing this two-way agreement commenced in 2022 and stands as a testament to the strong and positive relationship between the two nations.
Accessing the Vietnamese market, a nation with a population of over 100 million, will significantly boost Australia’s $500 million blueberry industry.
New market access for Australian blueberries to Vietnam will be valued at approximately $4 million in the first year and approximately $22 million within 5 years.
In 2024-25, the Australian Government recorded a total of 79 technical market access achievements across a variety of products. These include 17 actions to maintain and 8 to restore existing markets which supported trade worth $4 billion, alongside opening 10 new markets and making 44 improvements to existing access.
By continuing to create new and improved pathways for Australian produce, the Government is helping drive significant growth in our agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector, forecast to be worth more than $100 billion in 2025-26.
Source: minister.agriculture.gov.au | Image: iStock (EyeEm Mobile GmbH)
The World Butchers’ Challenge (WBC) is heading back to the Southern Hemisphere, with Australia confirmed as the host nation for the 2028 competition, a special milestone marking the event’s 10th year.
Following a competitive bidding process, the Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) has been appointed as the official host organisation. The competition will take place in early 2028, bringing together the world’s best butchers to celebrate global craftsmanship and camaraderie.
The WBC has grown from humble beginnings into the world’s premier butchery competition, drawing teams from every corner of the globe. Each event showcases not only the technical skill of butchers, but also the artistry, innovation, and cultural traditions that make the profession so unique.
With the spotlight turning to Australia, the 2028 edition will build on this legacy, giving teams and supporters the chance to compete and connect in a country known for its dynamic red meat sector and world-class produce. The event is expected to attract significant international attention and will provide a platform for new collaborations, ideas, and opportunities.
AMIC CEO Tim Ryan, said AMIC are thrilled to be hosting the World Butchers Challenge in Australia in 2028. For the global community of butchers, the 2028 event will be a landmark occasion and a chance to come together in Australia to experience not only world-class competition, but also the country’s vibrant food culture, hospitality, and innovation.
Further details around the 2028 venue and dates, alongside entry information, team packs, and partnership opportunities, will be shared at the official launch of the 2028 World Butchers’ Challenge in early 2026.
Source: World Butchers Challenge | Image: iStock (Revolu7ion93)
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), 2025.
